Three Mile Creek Watershed Site U-5-B Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 12, 2025

Three Mile Creek Watershed Site U-5-B in Talmage, Iowa, is a local government-owned earth dam completed in 1980 by USDA NRCS with a primary purpose of fire protection, stock, or small fish pond.


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Summary

This structure on TR-Three Mile Creek has a dam height of 28 feet, a length of 550 feet, and a storage capacity of 164 acre-feet. It serves multiple purposes including flood risk reduction and has a low hazard potential with a moderate risk assessment.

Located in Union County, Iowa, this watershed site is regulated by the Iowa DNR and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The dam is situated in a drainage area of 0.48 square miles and has a normal storage capacity of 25 acre-feet. Despite its uncontrolled spillway type, the structure has not been rated for its condition assessment, and there is no information available on emergency action preparedness or risk management measures.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate the environmental significance and engineering details of Three Mile Creek Watershed Site U-5-B. As a vital component of the local water management infrastructure, this earth dam plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding and providing essential water resources for various uses. With its unique design and purpose, this site showcases the collaborative efforts between government agencies and conservation services in ensuring the sustainability of water resources in the region.

Year Completed

1980

Dam Length

550

Dam Height

28

River Or Stream

TR-THREE MILE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2.7

Drainage Area

0.48

Nid Storage

164

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

28
       
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.