West Fork Big Creek Watershed Site B-53 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
West Fork Big Creek Watershed Site B-53 is a crucial water resource site located in Ringgold County, Iowa.
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Summary
Managed by the local government and designed by the USDA NRCS, this site serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, small fish pond, and flood risk reduction. The earth dam, completed in 1996, stands at a height of 26 feet and has a storage capacity of 165 acre-feet, with a normal storage of 43 acre-feet covering a surface area of 7.9 acres. Despite its low hazard potential, the site is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections and enforcement to ensure its structural integrity.
The West Fork Big Creek Watershed Site B-53 plays a vital role in water management and conservation efforts in the region. With a drainage area of 0.62 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity, this site helps mitigate flood risks and provides essential water resources for various agricultural and environmental needs. The dam's uncontrolled spillway type and soil foundation add to its resilience and functionality, making it a valuable asset for the community and the ecosystem. Although the condition assessment is currently not rated, the site's risk assessment is moderate, indicating the need for ongoing monitoring and management measures to ensure its long-term sustainability.
As part of the Rock Island District, West Fork Big Creek Watershed Site B-53 stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts between federal and local agencies in managing water resources effectively. With Cindy Axne (D) as the Congressional representative for the area, the site benefits from governmental support and oversight to uphold its regulatory compliance and operational efficiency. As climate change poses new challenges to water resource management, this site serves as a critical infrastructure for adapting to changing environmental conditions and ensuring the resilience of the watershed in the face of future uncertainties.
Year Completed |
1996 |
Dam Length |
500 |
Dam Height |
26 |
River Or Stream |
TR- WEST FORK BIG CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7.9 |
Drainage Area |
0.62 |
Nid Storage |
165 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
26 |
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-53