Indian Cr-Van Buren Watershed Site 13 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Indian Cr-Van Buren Watershed Site 13, located in Farmington, Iowa, is a low-hazard earth dam constructed in 1988 for flood risk reduction purposes.


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Summary

Managed by the local government and designed by the USDA NRCS, this structure on Coon Creek has a dam height of 36 feet and a length of 900 feet, providing a storage capacity of 870 acre-feet. With a drainage area of 2.68 square miles, the dam serves as a crucial infrastructure in the region to mitigate the risk of flooding and protect the surrounding communities.

The dam at Indian Cr-Van Buren Watershed Site 13 is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, ensuring its compliance with state regulations and permitting requirements. Despite its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, the dam's condition remains unrated, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its structural integrity. With a primary purpose of flood risk reduction and a normal storage capacity of 188 acre-feet, this dam plays a vital role in managing water resources and protecting the local environment.

As part of the Kansas City District, this dam is a key component of the water management infrastructure in the area, contributing to the overall resilience of the watershed. While its emergency action plan status and risk management measures are not specified, the dam's presence and functionality are essential for safeguarding the community against potential water-related hazards. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Indian Cr-Van Buren Watershed Site 13 serves as a notable example of sustainable water infrastructure that plays a critical role in enhancing the region's resilience to extreme weather events and changing climate patterns.

Year Completed

1988

Dam Length

900

Dam Height

36

River Or Stream

COON CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

26

Drainage Area

2.68

Nid Storage

870

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

36
       
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.