West Fk Big Cr Watershed Site W-31 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
West Fk Big Cr Watershed Site W-31 is a flood risk reduction structure located in Ringgold County, Iowa, designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 2005.
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Summary
This earth dam stands at 26 feet tall and spans 525 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 141 acre-feet. Situated on TR-WOLF CREEK, this site is regulated by the Iowa DNR and is inspected, permitted, and enforced by state agencies to ensure its functionality and safety. Despite its low hazard potential, the risk assessment for this site is deemed moderate, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and management to mitigate potential risks.
Owned by the local government, West Fk Big Cr Watershed Site W-31 serves as a vital infrastructure for flood control in the region, with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction. Its location in a state-regulated area ensures compliance with state permitting and inspection requirements to safeguard the surrounding environment and communities. The dam's design and construction were funded by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, showcasing a collaborative effort between federal and local agencies to address water resource management challenges in the area. Despite not being rated for condition assessment, the structure's moderate risk level underscores the need for continued monitoring and risk management measures.
West Fk Big Cr Watershed Site W-31 contributes to the overall water resource management efforts in Ringgold County, Iowa, providing a crucial buffer against potential flooding events. With a surface area of 6.9 acres and a drainage area of 0.45 square miles, this structure plays a significant role in mitigating flood risks and protecting downstream communities. The uncontrolled spillway and soil foundation further enhance the dam's functionality, while its relatively low hazard potential underscores the importance of ongoing risk management and emergency preparedness measures. As a key component of the region's water infrastructure, West Fk Big Cr Watershed Site W-31 exemplifies the collaborative efforts of federal and state agencies in ensuring the resilience and sustainability of water resources in the area.
Year Completed |
2005 |
Dam Length |
525 |
Dam Height |
26 |
River Or Stream |
TR-WOLF CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6.9 |
Drainage Area |
0.45 |
Nid Storage |
141 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
26 |
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 Fk Big Cr Watershed Site W-31