Waubonsie Cr. Watershed Site 3 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Waubonsie Creek Watershed Site 3, located in Mills County, Iowa, is a crucial water resource managed by the local government for fire protection, livestock use, and small fish pond purposes.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

This Earth dam structure, completed in 1994 with a height of 43 feet and a length of 583 feet, serves to reduce flood risks in the area while providing a storage capacity of 1605 acre-feet for water management. The dam is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its satisfactory condition.

This site, situated along McPherron Creek, covers a drainage area of 5.64 square miles and has a surface area of 55.5 acres. With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, the dam at Waubonsie Creek Watershed Site 3 plays a significant role in water resource management in the region. The structure is designed by the USDA NRCS and maintained by the local government, contributing to the overall environmental sustainability and resilience of the area.

Under the oversight of the Omaha District, this dam exemplifies the collaborative efforts between federal and state agencies for effective water resource management. With a focus on flood risk reduction and sustainable water use, Waubonsie Creek Watershed Site 3 stands as a vital component of the region's infrastructure, ensuring the protection of local communities and ecosystems from potential water-related hazards.

Year Completed

1994

Dam Length

583

Dam Height

43

River Or Stream

MC PHERRON CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

55.5

Drainage Area

5.64

Nid Storage

1605

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

43
       
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.