West Fork Big Creek Watershed Site W-11 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
West Fork Big Creek Watershed Site W-11 is a local government-owned structure located in Ringgold, Iowa, designed by the USDA NRCS with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction.
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Summary
Completed in 2000, this earthen dam stands at a height of 27 feet and spans a length of 467 feet, providing a storage capacity of 79 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Iowa DNR and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement, ensuring its continued effectiveness in mitigating flood risks in the area.
The West Fork Big Creek Watershed Site W-11 is situated along the TR-Wolf Creek, within the Rock Island District, and is monitored for its hazard potential, which is rated as low. Although the condition assessment is currently not rated, the risk assessment categorizes the structure as moderate. Overall, the dam serves as a crucial infrastructure for flood protection, with a surface area of 3.7 acres and a drainage area of 0.26 square miles. With its strategic location and design features, this site plays a significant role in managing water resources and climate-related challenges in the region, ensuring the safety and security of the surrounding communities.
As an integral component of the local flood risk reduction strategy, West Fork Big Creek Watershed Site W-11 offers valuable insights into sustainable water resource management practices. With its focus on fire protection, stock, and small fish pond maintenance alongside flood risk reduction, the dam exemplifies the multifaceted approach required to address the complex challenges posed by climate change and water scarcity. As stakeholders continue to prioritize the resilience of water infrastructure, sites like W-11 play a crucial role in safeguarding communities and ecosystems from the impacts of extreme weather events and ensuring a sustainable water future for generations to come.
Year Completed |
2000 |
Dam Length |
467 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
TR- WOLF CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3.7 |
Drainage Area |
0.26 |
Nid Storage |
79 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
27 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
West Fork Big Creek Watershed Site W-11