Upper Locust Watershed Site L-48 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 11, 2025

Upper Locust Watershed Site L-48 is a crucial water resource located in Wayne, Iowa, managed by the local government with oversight from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.


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Summary

Completed in 1999 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at 23 feet high and spans 421 feet, serving multiple purposes including fire protection, stock, and small fish pond management, as well as flood risk reduction. With a storage capacity of 58 acre-feet and a surface area of 3.6 acres, this dam plays a vital role in regulating water flow in the TR-Locust Creek.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Upper Locust Watershed Site L-48 is rated as having a moderate risk level, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and management. The dam has not been assessed for condition, emergency action plan preparedness, or inundation mapping, indicating potential areas for improvement in risk mitigation strategies. With a designated emergency contact and a moderate risk assessment score of 3, there is a need for increased attention to ensure the safety and effectiveness of this essential water resource in the region.

As part of the Rock Island District, Upper Locust Watershed Site L-48 remains a critical infrastructure for water management in the area, with a focus on fire protection, livestock, and fish pond maintenance. With ongoing enforcement, inspection, and permitting by the Iowa DNR, this dam serves as a key component in the overall water resource and climate resilience efforts in Wayne County, Iowa.

Year Completed

1999

Dam Length

421

Dam Height

23

River Or Stream

TR- LOCUST CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3.6

Drainage Area

0.17

Nid Storage

58

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

23
       
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.