Whiskey Hollow Watershed - Bell Site Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

The Whiskey Hollow Watershed - Bell Site is a key water management structure located in Muscatine Slough, Louisa County, Iowa.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Built in 1986 by the USDA NRCS, this local government-owned dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and small fish pond management. With a height of 34 feet and a length of 260 feet, the earth dam has a storage capacity of 130 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 5.1 acres.

Managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the Whiskey Hollow Watershed - Bell Site plays a crucial role in flood risk reduction in the region. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The site is situated along the TR-Mississippi River and falls under the jurisdiction of the Rock Island District of the US Army Corps of Engineers.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate the significance of the Whiskey Hollow Watershed - Bell Site in managing water resources and mitigating flood risks in the Muscatine Slough area. This structure not only supports local agricultural activities and wildlife conservation but also contributes to the overall water management efforts in the region. With its state-regulated status and moderate risk assessment, this dam serves as a vital component of the water infrastructure in Louisa County, Iowa.

Year Completed

1986

Dam Length

260

Dam Height

34

River Or Stream

TR- MISSISSIPPI R.

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5.1

Drainage Area

0.8

Nid Storage

130

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

34
       
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.