Little River Watershed Site 65-3 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 10, 2025

Little River Watershed Site 65-3 in Decatur County, Iowa, is a crucial flood risk reduction structure managed by the local government and designed by the USDA NRCS.


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Summary

Completed in 1980, this earth dam stands at a height of 22 feet and spans 450 feet, with a storage capacity of 116 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.36 square miles. The dam plays a vital role in protecting the surrounding area from flooding, with a significant hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment as of November 2015.

Located along the TR-Little River, this site is regulated by the Iowa DNR and undergoes regular state inspections and enforcement to ensure its operational effectiveness. The dam's primary purpose is flood risk reduction, with a spillway type of "Uncontrolled" and a surface area of 5.9 acres. Despite its moderate risk assessment level, the structure has not been modified in recent years and lacks specific risk management measures. With its strategic placement and capacity to mitigate flooding, Little River Watershed Site 65-3 stands as a crucial asset in safeguarding the local community and environment against water-related disasters.

Year Completed

1980

Dam Length

450

Dam Height

22

River Or Stream

TR-LITTLE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5.9

Drainage Area

0.36

Nid Storage

116

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

22
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.