Honey Creek Watershed Site J-1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

Located in Lucas County, Iowa, the Honey Creek Watershed Site J-1 is a local government-owned earth dam built in 1955 by the USDA NRCS.


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Summary

This dam, located in the Rathbun Reservoir area, serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, small fish pond, and flood risk reduction. With a maximum storage capacity of 110 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 20 acre-feet, the dam covers a surface area of 5 acres and has a drainage area of 0.5 square miles.

Managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the Honey Creek Watershed Site J-1 has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "not rated" in terms of its condition assessment. The dam has a moderate risk assessment of 3 and is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state authorities. With a latitude of 40.9473 and longitude of -93.1231, this site plays a crucial role in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region.

As a key infrastructure for water management in the area, the Honey Creek Watershed Site J-1 provides essential flood risk reduction measures and supports local agricultural activities. With its strategic location and multi-purpose design, this earth dam contributes to the overall environmental and socio-economic well-being of Lucas County and the surrounding areas. As climate change impacts continue to threaten water resources, the proper maintenance and management of this site are critical for ensuring the safety and sustainability of the community.

Year Completed

1955

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

TR- HONEY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5

Drainage Area

0.5

Nid Storage

110

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

25
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.