Three Mile Creek Watershed Site 50-2 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
Located in Union County, Iowa, Three Mile Creek Watershed Site 50-2 is a flood risk reduction structure designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1980.
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Summary
This earth dam stands at a height of 31 feet and spans 480 feet, providing storage for 216 acre-feet of water in the event of heavy rainfall. With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, this site plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding.
Managed by the Iowa DNR, Three Mile Creek Watershed Site 50-2 is state-regulated and undergoes regular inspections and enforcement measures to ensure its structural integrity. The dam's primary purpose is flood risk reduction, but it also serves secondary purposes such as fire protection and stock or small fish pond management. Despite not being rated for condition assessment, this site remains a vital component of the water resource management system in the region.
With its location along the TR-Three Mile Creek, Three Mile Creek Watershed Site 50-2 contributes to the overall water management efforts in the area. Supported by state agencies and designed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this structure exemplifies the collaborative efforts needed to address climate-related challenges and protect communities from the impacts of extreme weather events.
Year Completed |
1980 |
Dam Length |
480 |
Dam Height |
31 |
River Or Stream |
TR-THREE MILE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7.7 |
Drainage Area |
0.66 |
Nid Storage |
216 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
31 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
South Raccoon River At Redfield
|
268cfs |
Raccoon River At Van Meter
|
1640cfs |
Raccoon River Near West Des Moines
|
1300cfs |
Middle Raccoon River At Panora
|
92cfs |
North River Near Norwalk
|
48cfs |
Middle River Near Indianola
|
48cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Three Mile Creek Watershed Site 50-2