West Fork Big Cr Wtrshd Site B-38 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 11, 2025
West Fork Big Creek Watershed Site B-38 is a flood risk reduction structure located in Decatur, Iowa, owned and regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
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Summary
Designed by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet and has a storage capacity of 102 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, the dam serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction in the area.
Situated along the TR- West Fork Big Creek, this structure plays a crucial role in managing water resources and mitigating potential flood risks in the region. With a drainage area of 0.31 square miles and a surface area of 5.3 acres, the dam helps regulate water flow and protect downstream areas from potential inundation. Despite not being currently rated for condition assessment, the dam's low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment make it an important asset in the overall water resource management strategy for the area.
As climate change continues to impact water resources and increase the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, structures like West Fork Big Creek Watershed Site B-38 play a vital role in enhancing resilience and adaptive capacity in the face of changing environmental conditions. With state regulation and inspection in place, this dam serves as a critical infrastructure for safeguarding the community and surrounding areas from the potential impacts of flooding, highlighting the importance of proactive water resource management in the region.
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
TR- WEST FORK BIG CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5.3 |
Drainage Area |
0.31 |
Nid Storage |
102 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
20 |
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 Cr Wtrshd Site B-38