Troublesome Cr Watershed Site 81-3 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Troublesome Cr Watershed Site 81-3, located in Audubon, Iowa, is a local government-owned dam designed by the USDA NRCS for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes.
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Summary
Completed in 1984, this earth dam stands at 28 feet high and spans 740 feet, with a storage capacity of 140 acre-feet and a surface area of 5.6 acres. Situated along the TR- EAST NISHNABOTNA RIVER, this dam plays a vital role in flood risk reduction for the surrounding area.
Managed by the Iowa DNR, Troublesome Cr Watershed Site 81-3 has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment. Despite its moderate risk level, this dam has not been inspected recently, and its emergency action plan status is unclear. With no outlet gates or locks, this uncontrolled spillway dam is an essential component of water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region. Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the unique design and functionality of this dam, which serves both practical and ecological purposes in the local ecosystem.
Year Completed |
1984 |
Dam Length |
740 |
Dam Height |
28 |
River Or Stream |
TR- EAST NISHNABOTNA RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5.6 |
Drainage Area |
0.61 |
Nid Storage |
140 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
28 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Troublesome Cr Watershed Site 81-3