Indian Cr-Van Buren Watershed Site 20 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Indian Cr-Van Buren Watershed Site 20, located in Farmington, Iowa, is a local government-owned Earth dam built in 1989 by USDA NRCS for purposes of fire protection, stock, small fish pond, and flood risk reduction.


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Summary

With a dam height of 31 feet and a storage capacity of 600 acre-feet, this structure serves as a vital resource for the community. The dam spans 560 feet and covers a surface area of 17.5 acres, with a drainage area of 1.49 square miles.

Managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, this dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its safety and functionality. Despite having a low hazard potential, the dam's risk assessment is rated as moderate. While the condition assessment is not rated, the structure's emergency action plan and risk management measures are yet to be evaluated. With a history of serving the community for over three decades, Indian Cr-Van Buren Watershed Site 20 remains a crucial asset for water resource management and climate resilience in the region.

As part of the Kansas City District, this dam on TR- Indian Creek is designed to withstand moderate risks and provide essential services to the surrounding area. The primary purpose of the dam, combined with its strategic location and state oversight, emphasizes its importance in maintaining water resources and ensuring environmental sustainability. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding and supporting the management of Indian Cr-Van Buren Watershed Site 20 is essential for promoting resilience and conservation efforts in the local community.

Year Completed

1989

Dam Length

560

Dam Height

31

River Or Stream

TR- INDIAN CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

17.5

Drainage Area

1.49

Nid Storage

600

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

31
       
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.