Waubonsie Cr. Watershed Site 3-8 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Located in Mills County, Iowa, the Waubonsie Creek Watershed Site 3-8 is a vital water resource managed by the local government for purposes such as fire protection, stock, and small fish pond maintenance.


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Summary

This Earth dam, completed in 1989, stands at 69 feet high and spans 650 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 606 acre-feet. The dam also serves flood risk reduction for the surrounding area, making it a crucial asset for water management in the region.

Managed by the USDA NRCS, this watershed site on McPherson Creek is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and undergoes regular inspections and enforcement to ensure its structural integrity. The dam has a low hazard potential and is deemed to be in satisfactory condition as of the last assessment in July 2020. With a drainage area of 0.64 square miles and a surface area of 18.2 acres, this site plays a crucial role in water storage and management in this part of Iowa.

The Waubonsie Creek Watershed Site 3-8, with its moderate risk assessment score, represents a significant piece of infrastructure for water resource and climate enthusiasts in the region. With its controlled spillway and regulated operations, this site serves as a model for effective water management and conservation practices. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the importance of such structures in mitigating flood risks and ensuring water availability for various purposes cannot be overstated.

Year Completed

1989

Dam Length

650

Dam Height

69

River Or Stream

MC PHERSON CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

18.2

Drainage Area

0.64

Nid Storage

606

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

69
       
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.