Little River Watershed Site 51-1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 10, 2025

Little River Watershed Site 51-1, located in Decatur County, Iowa, is a recreational dam managed by the local government.


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Summary

Designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 2005, this earth dam stands at a height of 30 feet and spans a length of 863 feet, with a storage capacity of 1827 acre-feet. The dam, situated on Britton Branch, serves the primary purpose of recreation and offers a surface area of 60.5 acres for outdoor activities.

Managed by the Iowa DNR, this dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced to ensure safety and compliance with state regulations. With a significant hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, the dam's condition is deemed satisfactory as of the latest assessment in June 2019. The spillway of the dam is uncontrolled, with a width of 3 feet, and it is located in a scenic area with easy access for visitors to enjoy the recreational opportunities provided by the reservoir.

The Little River Watershed Site 51-1 is a valuable asset for the community, offering a picturesque location for outdoor enthusiasts to engage in recreational activities while also serving important water resource management functions. With its well-maintained condition and regulatory oversight, this dam provides a safe and enjoyable environment for visitors to appreciate the beauty of the Britton Branch and surrounding natural landscape.

Year Completed

2005

Dam Length

863

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

Britton Branch

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

60.5

Drainage Area

4.04

Nid Storage

1827

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

30
       
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.