Upper Locust Creek Watershed Site L-46 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 11, 2025
The Upper Locust Creek Watershed Site L-46, located in Wayne County, Iowa, is a vital flood risk reduction structure designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 2008.
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Summary
This earth dam stands at a height of 22 feet, with a length of 420 feet and a storage capacity of 52 acre-feet. It serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Tr to E. Fork Locust Creek, providing protection to the surrounding area and helping to manage water resources in times of high discharge.
Managed by the local government and regulated by the Iowa DNR, this site has a low hazard potential and has not been rated for condition assessment. The dam's spillway width of 24 feet ensures proper water discharge during heavy rainfall events, with a maximum discharge capacity of 178 cubic feet per second. Despite its small surface area of 2 acres and drainage area of 0.2 square miles, the Upper Locust Creek Watershed Site L-46 plays a crucial role in protecting the community from potential flooding and highlighting the importance of sustainable water resource management in the region.
As a key part of the flood control infrastructure in the area, the Upper Locust Creek Watershed Site L-46 contributes to the overall resilience of the region against extreme weather events and changing climate patterns. With its strategic location and efficient design, this site serves as a model for effective water resource management and flood risk reduction efforts, showcasing the commitment of local government and regulatory agencies to safeguarding the community and environment from the impacts of water-related hazards.
Year Completed |
2008 |
Dam Length |
420 |
Dam Height |
22 |
River Or Stream |
Tr to E. Fork Locust Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2 |
Drainage Area |
0.2 |
Nid Storage |
52 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
22 |
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.
Upper Locust Creek Watershed Site L-46