Troublesome Cr Watershed Site 41-1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Troublesome Creek Watershed Site 41-1, located in Audubon County, Iowa, is a crucial water resource managed by the local government for purposes such as fire protection, stock, small fish pond maintenance, and flood risk reduction.


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Summary

Constructed in 1979 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 37 feet and spans a length of 525 feet, with a storage capacity of 72 acre-feet and a surface area of 2.5 acres. Despite being categorized as having a low hazard potential, the dam's condition remains unrated as of the last inspection in 1989, indicating a need for further assessment and potential maintenance.

The Troublesome Creek Watershed Site 41-1 plays a significant role in regulating water flow and storage in the region, with state jurisdiction and regulatory oversight by the Iowa DNR. The dam's association with the Rock Island District of the USACE reflects its importance in mitigating flood risks and ensuring water availability for various purposes. While the risk assessment deems it as moderate, the lack of recent condition assessments and emergency preparedness plans highlight the need for continued monitoring and management to safeguard the local community and environment from potential water-related hazards.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Troublesome Creek Watershed Site 41-1 serves as a focal point for understanding the intricate balance between water management, environmental protection, and community safety. With its historical significance dating back to the late 1970s, this earth dam underscores the ongoing challenges and responsibilities associated with maintaining critical infrastructure in the face of evolving climate patterns and potential risks. As discussions around water resource sustainability and climate resilience intensify, the importance of proactive monitoring, maintenance, and emergency planning for sites like Troublesome Creek Watershed Site 41-1 becomes increasingly apparent in safeguarding our water resources for future generations.

Year Completed

1979

Dam Length

525

Dam Height

37

River Or Stream

TROUBLESOME CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2.5

Drainage Area

0.27

Nid Storage

72

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

37
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.