Mill Picayune Watershed Site M-35-1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Mill Picayune Watershed Site M-35-1 in Crawford County, Iowa, is a significant earth dam completed in 1984 for purposes including fire protection, stock, small fish pond, and flood risk reduction.


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Summary

Managed by the USDA NRCS, this dam has a height of 37 feet and a length of 636 feet, with a storage capacity of 134 acre-feet. The watershed site is located in Manteno, along the Bee Tree Creek, and falls under the jurisdiction of the Iowa DNR for regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement.

With a hazard potential rated as significant and a moderate risk assessment score of 3, the Mill Picayune Watershed Site M-35-1 plays a crucial role in water resource management and climate resilience in the region. The dam's primary purpose of providing fire protection and supporting agricultural activities underscores its importance for the local community. While the condition assessment is currently not rated, the dam's structural integrity and functionality are essential for safeguarding against potential flooding events and ensuring the sustainable utilization of water resources in the area.

As a key feature in the Rock Island District managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Mill Picayune Watershed Site M-35-1 serves as a critical infrastructure for water storage and management in Crawford County. Its strategic location, design, and operational aspects highlight its significance in enhancing water security, agricultural productivity, and overall environmental resilience in the region. With continued monitoring, maintenance, and adherence to regulatory guidelines, this watershed site will continue to contribute to sustainable water resource management and climate adaptation efforts in Iowa.

Year Completed

1984

Dam Length

636

Dam Height

37

River Or Stream

BEE TREE CR.

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5.3

Drainage Area

0.34

Nid Storage

134

Hazard Potential

Significant

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.