West Fork Big Creek Watershed Site B-49 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
West Fork Big Creek Watershed Site B-49 is a significant water resource located in Ringgold, Iowa, owned by the local government and regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
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Summary
The dam, constructed in 1992 by the USDA NRCS, serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, small fish pond, and flood risk reduction. With a dam height of 25 feet and a storage capacity of 59 acre-feet, the site covers a surface area of 2.7 acres and has a low hazard potential rating.
The dam, made of earth with a soil foundation, is situated along TR-West Fork Big Creek and falls under the jurisdiction of the Rock Island District. Despite its moderate risk assessment rating of 3, the condition of the dam is currently not rated, highlighting the need for further evaluation and potential risk management measures. The site lacks a detailed emergency action plan and inundation maps, indicating a gap in preparedness for potential emergencies. Overall, West Fork Big Creek Watershed Site B-49 presents an opportunity for water resource and climate enthusiasts to explore a diverse and multifunctional dam structure with room for improvement in terms of risk assessment and emergency planning.
Year Completed |
1992 |
Dam Length |
320 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
TR- WEST FORK BIG CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2.7 |
Drainage Area |
0.21 |
Nid Storage |
59 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
25 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
West Fork Big Creek Watershed Site B-49