Indian Cr-Van Buren Watershed Site 15 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Indian Cr-Van Buren Watershed Site 15 is a key water resource site located in Van Buren, Iowa, designed by the USDA NRCS for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes.


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Summary

This earth dam, completed in 1989, stands at 37 feet high and spans 900 feet, with a storage capacity of 1060 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in July 2020 revealed poor conditions, prompting further inspection and potential maintenance to ensure its structural integrity.

The watershed site, situated along TR-Indian Creek, falls under the regulatory purview of the Iowa DNR and is designated for flood risk reduction as well. Its moderate risk level and the lack of recent inspection data underscore the importance of continued monitoring and risk management measures to safeguard the surrounding community. With its unique ecosystem and critical role in water resource management, this site serves as a focal point for climate enthusiasts and water resource professionals interested in sustainable watershed development and conservation efforts in Iowa.

As stakeholders in the Indian Cr-Van Buren Watershed Site 15 navigate the complexities of dam maintenance and risk mitigation, collaboration among local government agencies, regulatory bodies, and the broader community will be essential. By prioritizing the site's long-term sustainability and resilience to climate challenges, stakeholders can ensure that this vital water resource infrastructure continues to fulfill its intended purposes while minimizing potential hazards and maximizing benefits for the local environment and population.

Year Completed

1989

Dam Length

900

Dam Height

37

River Or Stream

TR- INDIAN CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

33

Drainage Area

2.95

Nid Storage

1060

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

37
       
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.