Turkey Creek Watershed Site 1-1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 15, 2025

Turkey Creek Watershed Site 1-1 in Cass, Iowa is a flood risk reduction dam designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 2006.


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Summary

The earth dam stands at 28 feet high and spans 530 feet, with a storage capacity of 134 acre-feet. Located on TR-Turkey Creek, the dam serves to mitigate flood risks in the area, covering a drainage area of 0.3 square miles and a surface area of 7.8 acres.

Managed by the Iowa DNR, this structure is state-regulated and permitted, with regular inspections and enforcement measures in place. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's risk assessment is moderate, emphasizing the importance of ongoing risk management practices. Owned by the local government and falling under the jurisdiction of Iowa, Turkey Creek Watershed Site 1-1 is a vital piece of infrastructure in safeguarding the surrounding community from potential flooding events.

With its strategic location in the Turkey Creek watershed and efficient design by the NRCS, this dam plays a crucial role in protecting Lewis and its residents from the impacts of extreme weather events. As climate change continues to pose challenges for water resources, the flood risk reduction structure at Site 1-1 stands as a testament to proactive measures taken to ensure the safety and resilience of the local area.

Year Completed

2006

Dam Length

530

Dam Height

28

River Or Stream

TR-TURKEY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7.8

Drainage Area

0.3

Nid Storage

134

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

28
       
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.