Waubonsie Cr. Watershed Site 3-5 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Located in Mills County, Iowa, the Waubonsie Cr.


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Summary

Watershed Site 3-5 is a significant earth dam with a height of 51 feet and a length of 700 feet. Completed in 1989, this dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond management, as well as flood risk reduction. With a storage capacity of 245 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.24 square miles, this structure plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area.

Managed by the local government and designed by USDA NRCS, this dam is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place. Despite being rated as low hazard potential and not assessed for condition, the risk assessment for this site is moderate. While the dam has not been modified in recent years, it is essential to ensure that emergency action plans are prepared and updated to meet guidelines in case of any unforeseen events.

With its location near Bartlett and the TR- Mc Pherron Creek, this watershed site is an integral part of the water management infrastructure in the region. As climate change continues to impact water resources, it is vital to monitor and maintain structures like the Waubonsie Cr. Watershed Site 3-5 to ensure the safety of the community and the sustainability of the ecosystem.

Year Completed

1989

Dam Length

700

Dam Height

51

River Or Stream

TR- MC PHERRON CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9.2

Drainage Area

0.24

Nid Storage

245

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

51
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.