Twelve Mile Creek Watershed Site 48 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Twelve Mile Creek Watershed Site 48, located in Union County, Iowa, is a vital water resource managed by the local government and designed by the USDA NRCS.
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Summary
This earth dam, completed in 1985, serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and flood risk reduction. With a dam height of 32 feet and a storage capacity of 93 acre-feet, this site covers a surface area of 4.8 acres and has a drainage area of 0.31 square miles.
Managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, this site is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state authorities. The dam has a low hazard potential and its condition is currently not rated. While the spillway type is uncontrolled, the risk assessment indicates a moderate risk level. The site has not been modified in recent years and there is no emergency action plan in place, suggesting room for improvement in risk management and emergency preparedness.
With its strategic location along Twelve Mile Creek, this site plays a crucial role in water resource management and flood protection in the area. As a part of the larger watershed, Site 48 highlights the importance of sustainable water infrastructure for both agricultural and environmental purposes. Climate and water resource enthusiasts will find this site's design, purpose, and regulatory framework intriguing, offering insights into water management practices in Iowa.
Year Completed |
1985 |
Dam Length |
720 |
Dam Height |
32 |
River Or Stream |
TR- TWELVE MILE CR. |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4.8 |
Drainage Area |
0.31 |
Nid Storage |
93 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
32 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Thompson River At Davis City
|
22cfs |
East Fork 102 River At Bedford
|
1cfs |
Raccoon River At Van Meter
|
1640cfs |
South Raccoon River At Redfield
|
268cfs |
North River Near Norwalk
|
48cfs |
Raccoon River Near West Des Moines
|
1300cfs |
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.
Twelve Mile Creek Watershed Site 48