Twin Ponies Watershed Site 17a Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Twin Ponies Watershed Site 17a is a vital water resource located in Pottawattamie, Iowa, specifically in the city of Council Bluffs.


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Summary

Managed by the local government, this site is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and has been designed by the USDA NRCS. Completed in 1998, the primary purpose of this Earth dam structure is for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond use, as well as flood risk reduction.

With a dam height of 54 feet and a storage capacity of 476 acre-feet, Twin Ponies Watershed Site 17a covers a surface area of 23.4 acres and serves a drainage area of 2.12 square miles. Although the hazard potential is classified as low and the condition assessment is satisfactory, the risk assessment indicates a moderate level of risk with a score of 3. Inspected every five years, this site has not required any modifications since its last assessment in 2010, maintaining its functionality and safety for the surrounding community.

The presence of Twin Ponies Watershed Site 17a contributes to water management efforts in the region, providing essential resources for fire protection, agriculture, and environmental conservation. Climate and water resource enthusiasts will appreciate the sustainable design and management practices implemented at this site, ensuring its continued effectiveness in mitigating flood risks and supporting local water needs.

Year Completed

1998

Dam Length

1030

Dam Height

54

River Or Stream

TR- PONY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

23.4

Drainage Area

2.12

Nid Storage

476

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

54
       
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.