West Fork Big Creek Watershed Site S-48 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 11, 2025
West Fork Big Creek Watershed Site S-48 in Iowa is a significant Earth dam completed in 1995 with a maximum storage capacity of 61 acre-feet.
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Summary
The dam serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, small fish pond, and flood risk reduction for the local community. Located in Decatur County, the dam has a surface area of 3.5 acres and a drainage area of 0.2 square miles, with a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating.
Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the West Fork Big Creek Watershed Site S-48 is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular state inspections and enforcement to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam stands at a height of 20 feet and has a length of 470 feet, with an uncontrolled spillway type. The site is situated along TR- Shain Creek, providing essential water resource management for the region.
This dam not only plays a crucial role in water resource management but also contributes to environmental protection and community safety in the area. With its strategic design and construction by USDA NRCS, the West Fork Big Creek Watershed Site S-48 continues to uphold its purpose of serving as a vital asset for fire protection, stock, small fish pond, and flood risk reduction in the region, demonstrating effective dam infrastructure for sustainable climate resilience.
Year Completed |
1995 |
Dam Length |
470 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
TR- SHAIN CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3.5 |
Drainage Area |
0.2 |
Nid Storage |
61 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
20 |
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 S-48