Ls Marvin Eskildsen Reservoir Report
Nearby: Larson Dam Cord Subwatershed M-7234
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Ls Marvin Eskildsen is a privately owned earth dam located in Woodbury County, Iowa, near the city of Oto.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1996, this structure serves the primary purpose of grade stabilization along Tr- Miller Creek. The dam stands at a height of 40 feet with a length of 200 feet, providing a storage capacity of 15 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.07 square miles.
Managed and funded by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Ls Marvin Eskildsen has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating. With an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, the dam is designed to handle a maximum discharge of 83 cubic feet per second. Although the condition assessment is currently unavailable, the structure meets guidelines for emergency action plans and risk management measures, ensuring the safety of the surrounding area in case of any unforeseen events.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Ls Marvin Eskildsen offers an intriguing case study of a privately owned earth dam designed for grade stabilization in Iowa. With its location along Tr- Miller Creek and affiliation with the USDA NRCS, this structure showcases the importance of proper design and management in ensuring water resource sustainability. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's moderate risk assessment highlights the need for continued monitoring and maintenance to safeguard against potential risks in the future.
Year Completed |
1996 |
Dam Length |
200 |
Dam Height |
40 |
River Or Stream |
Tr- Miller Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
1 |
Drainage Area |
0.07 |
Nid Storage |
15 |
Structural Height |
40 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
40 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Maple River At Mapleton
|
323cfs |
West Fork Ditch At Hornick
|
80cfs |
Little Sioux River At Correctionville
|
327cfs |
Little Sioux River Near Turin
|
1040cfs |
Monona-Harrison Ditch Near Turin
|
158cfs |
Missouri River At Decatur
|
15500cfs |
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.
Ls Marvin Eskildsen