East Fork Big Cr Watershed Site E-15 is a flood risk reduction structure located in Decatur County, Iowa. Managed by the local government and designed by USDA NRCS, this earth dam was completed in 1990 with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction. With a dam height of 19 feet and a storage capacity of 50 acre-feet, the site covers a drainage area of 0.16 square miles and has a surface area of 3.1 acres.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, East Fork Big Cr Watershed Site E-15 is under the regulatory oversight of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The dam is considered to be in moderate risk condition and has not been rated for its current condition. While the site has not been inspected recently, it is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway and is designed to handle emergency situations. Overall, this structure plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks in the area and contributes to the overall water resource management efforts in the region.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the infrastructure and management of sites like East Fork Big Cr Watershed Site E-15 is vital for assessing the resilience of our water systems in the face of changing climate patterns. By examining the design, purpose, and risk assessment of such structures, we can better appreciate the efforts undertaken to protect communities and ecosystems from potential flood events. It is essential to continue monitoring and maintaining these sites to ensure their effectiveness in safeguarding against flood risks and supporting sustainable water resource management practices.