Waubonsie Creek Watershed Site M-4 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Mills County, Iowa, the Waubonsie Creek Watershed Site M-4 is a vital earth dam built in 1998 by the USDA NRCS.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

This local government-owned structure serves multiple purposes, including fire protection, stock, or small fish pond, as well as flood risk reduction. With a dam height of 32 feet and a storage capacity of 625 acre-feet, this site plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.

The dam, situated on the Waubonsie Creek, has a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition. Despite its moderate risk assessment, the structure has not undergone recent inspections or maintenance updates. The Iowa DNR oversees the state regulation and permitting for this site, ensuring its compliance with safety standards. This watershed site is an essential component of the local water management system, providing critical water storage and flood protection for the surrounding area.

The Waubonsie Creek Watershed Site M-4 is a key infrastructure project in the Omaha District, designed to mitigate flood risks and protect the environment. With its earth dam construction and soil foundation, this site has a significant impact on water resources and climate resilience in the region. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the role of structures like M-4 in managing water flow and safeguarding communities is crucial for sustainable development and preparedness in the face of changing weather patterns.

Year Completed

1998

Dam Length

500

Dam Height

32

River Or Stream

WAUBONSIE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

26

Drainage Area

7.87

Nid Storage

625

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

32
       
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.