Bear Creek Watershed Site 48 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Bear Creek Watershed Site 48, located in Highlandville, Iowa, is a key flood risk reduction structure managed by the local government.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Designed by USDA NRCS and completed in 2005, this Earth-type dam stands at 27 feet tall and spans 270 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 31 acre-feet. Situated along TR-South Bear Creek, this structure plays a crucial role in mitigating flooding events in the region, with a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating of 3.
With a primary purpose of flood risk reduction, Bear Creek Watershed Site 48 serves as a vital resource for the surrounding area, protecting communities and infrastructure from potential water-related disasters. Despite its importance, this structure has not been rated for condition assessment, indicating a need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its continued effectiveness. Additionally, the dam features an uncontrolled spillway and is not regulated or inspected by state authorities, posing challenges for its long-term management and operation.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the significance of Bear Creek Watershed Site 48 in the context of flood risk reduction and water management is crucial. With its strategic location and design, this structure plays a key role in safeguarding the local environment and communities from the impacts of flooding events. Moving forward, continued attention to monitoring, maintenance, and regulatory oversight will be essential to ensure the ongoing functionality and resilience of this critical infrastructure in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
2005 |
Dam Length |
270 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
TR-South Bear Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2 |
Drainage Area |
0.2 |
Nid Storage |
31 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
27 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Upper Iowa River Near Dorchester
|
147cfs |
Upper Iowa River At Decorah
|
137cfs |
Upper Iowa River At Bluffton
|
264cfs |
South Fork Root River Near Houston
|
209cfs |
Turkey River At Spillville
|
78cfs |
Root River Near Houston
|
472cfs |
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.
Dutchman Creek W/S Dam #17