Coralville Regional Detention Basin dam
Coralville Regional Detention Basin
Located in Coralville, Iowa, the Coralville Regional Detention Basin stands as a critical infrastructure designed for flood risk reduction along the TR- Clear Creek. Constructed in 2001 by VEENSTRA & KIMM ENGRS., this earth dam structure boasts a height of 23 feet and a length of 952 feet, with a storage capacity of 137 acre-feet. With a surface area of 10.1 acres and a drainage area of 0.49 square miles, this basin plays a vital role in managing stormwater runoff and reducing the risk of flooding in the area.
Owned and regulated by the local government and overseen by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the Coralville Regional Detention Basin has a high hazard potential and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its satisfactory condition. The basin features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 5 feet and serves as a crucial piece of infrastructure in mitigating flood risks in the region. The dam's normal storage capacity of 83 acre-feet and its strategic location make it an essential component in the area's water resource management and climate resilience efforts.
With its moderate risk assessment rating and adherence to regulatory guidelines, the Coralville Regional Detention Basin exemplifies effective risk management and emergency preparedness. As a key element in the local flood risk reduction strategy, this detention basin not only safeguards communities and infrastructure but also contributes to the sustainable management of water resources in Johnson County, Iowa. Its strategic design, efficient operation, and regular maintenance highlight its importance in preserving the region's resilience to climate-related challenges.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Coralville Regional Detention Basin -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Clear Creek Near Coralville | 33 cfs | → |
| Iowa River At Iowa City | 2,280 cfs | → |
| Iowa River Below Coralville Dam Nr Coralville | 2,260 cfs | → |
| Old Mans Creek Near Iowa City | 124 cfs | → |
| Clear Creek Near Oxford | 29 cfs | → |
| Rapid Creek Near Iowa City | 13 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Coralville Regional Detention Basin.
Boat launches
- Mehaffey Bridge Road Northeast , 52333 Iowa
- Falcon Lane Big Grove Township
- Anglers Point Road Northeast Big Grove Township
- Poplar Avenue Northeast Big Grove Township
- Cottage Reserve Road Northeast Big Grove Township
Track Coralville Regional Detention Basin in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Coralville Regional Detention Basin
Where does the data for Coralville Regional Detention Basin come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the High hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Coralville Regional Detention Basin.