Mike Mikkelson Subwatershed M-2395 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Located in Monona County, Iowa, the Mike Mikkelson Subwatershed M-2395 is a local government-owned earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS for fire protection, stock, or small fish pond purposes.


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Summary

Completed in 1960, this dam stands at a height of 27 feet and has a storage capacity of 41 acre-feet, serving to reduce flood risks in the area. With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, this structure is regulated and inspected by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, ensuring its safety and effectiveness in managing the waters of TR- Cottonwood Creek.

Situated in the city of Little Sioux, the Mike Mikkelson Subwatershed M-2395 covers a drainage area of 0.82 square miles and has a normal storage capacity of 14 acre-feet. Despite being uncontrolled, the spillway type of this dam helps in managing water flow during heavy rainfall events, further enhancing its flood risk reduction capabilities. With a strategic location in the SW, NE, S11, T082N, R44W coordinates, this structure plays a crucial role in supporting the water resource management efforts in the region and contributes to the overall resilience of the local ecosystem.

With its primary purpose being fire protection and stock maintenance, the Mike Mikkelson Subwatershed M-2395 represents a vital component of the water infrastructure in Monona County. Managed and regulated by the Iowa DNR, this earth dam not only serves practical purposes but also showcases the collaborative efforts between federal and state agencies in ensuring the safety and sustainability of water resources in the area. As a key player in flood risk reduction and water management, this structure stands as a testament to the importance of effective watershed management practices in mitigating climate-related challenges and promoting environmental stewardship.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

TR- COTTONWOOD CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2

Drainage Area

0.82

Nid Storage

41

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

27
       
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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.