West Fork Big Creek Watershed Site B-42 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 11, 2025
West Fork Big Creek Watershed Site B-42 in Decatur County, Iowa, is a flood risk reduction structure managed by the local government and designed by the USDA NRCS.
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Summary
Completed in 1996, this earth dam stands at 25 feet tall and spans 480 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 103 acre-feet. The primary purpose of this structure is flood risk reduction, serving as a critical asset in protecting the surrounding area from potential inundation.
With a drainage area of 0.35 square miles, the West Fork Big Creek Watershed Site B-42 has a low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment. Despite its moderate risk level, this structure has not been inspected recently, and its emergency preparedness measures, including the existence of an Emergency Action Plan, are unclear. As an essential component of water resource management in the region, ensuring the safety and functionality of this dam is paramount for mitigating potential risks and protecting downstream communities and ecosystems.
Located in the Rock Island District, this structure on TR- WEST FORK BIG CREEK plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the water system in the area. As climate change continues to impact precipitation patterns, the importance of effective water resource management and infrastructure maintenance at sites like West Fork Big Creek Watershed Site B-42 cannot be overstated. Collaboration between local, state, and federal agencies is essential in ensuring the resilience of these critical assets in the face of evolving environmental challenges.
Year Completed |
1996 |
Dam Length |
480 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
TR- WEST FORK BIG CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4.8 |
Drainage Area |
0.35 |
Nid Storage |
103 |
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-42