Mchugh Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Gochenour Dam Smith (Steve) Dam
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
McHugh Dam, located in Monona County, Iowa, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 2011.
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Summary
This earth dam stands at a height of 31 feet and stretches 520 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 59 acre-feet. The primary purpose of McHugh Dam is flood risk reduction, but it also serves other purposes such as fish and wildlife pond, grade stabilization, and recreation.
Situated on a tributary to Willow Creek, McHugh Dam is regulated by the Iowa DNR and undergoes state permitting, inspection, and enforcement. With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment of "Not Rated," McHugh Dam has not been assigned an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) or undergone risk assessment and management measures. Despite its modest surface area of 3 acres and drainage area of 0.22 square miles, McHugh Dam plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events.
Owned by a private entity, McHugh Dam contributes to the conservation and management of water resources in the region while offering recreational opportunities for the local community. With its strategic location in Missouri Valley and its key role in flood risk reduction, McHugh Dam stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable water infrastructure in mitigating the impacts of climate change and ensuring the resilience of communities against natural disasters.
Year Completed |
2011 |
Dam Length |
520 |
Dam Height |
31 |
River Or Stream |
Trib to Willow Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3 |
Drainage Area |
0.22 |
Nid Storage |
59 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
31 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Soldier River At Pisgah
|
112cfs |
Little Sioux River Near Turin
|
1040cfs |
Monona-Harrison Ditch Near Turin
|
158cfs |
Boyer River At Logan
|
417cfs |
Maple River At Mapleton
|
323cfs |
Missouri River At Decatur
|
15500cfs |
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.
Mchugh Dam