Francy Site 3 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Francy Site 3, located in Lowell, Iowa, is a privately owned grade stabilization dam designed by the USDA NRCS.


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Summary

Completed in 2010, this earth dam stands at a height of 29 feet and spans 366 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 20 acre-feet. Situated on a tributary of Bogus Creek, the dam serves multiple purposes including grade stabilization, fire protection, and providing a small fish pond for the local community. With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment, Francy Site 3 plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area.

Despite being unregulated by the state, Francy Site 3 is equipped with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement measures to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The dam features uncontrolled spillways and outlet gates, with a spillway width of 10 feet. The risk assessment for this site is deemed moderate, with no official emergency action plan in place as of the latest data update in May 2021. As an essential component in the water management infrastructure of Henry County, Iowa, Francy Site 3 continues to contribute to the sustainability and conservation of water resources in the region.

Owned by a private entity, Francy Site 3 is a valuable asset in the local water resource management system. With a focus on grade stabilization, this earth dam serves various purposes while maintaining a low hazard potential. As climate change continues to impact water availability and quality, sites like Francy Site 3 play a crucial role in ensuring the resilience and sustainability of water resources for both current and future generations of water and climate enthusiasts.

Year Completed

2010

Dam Length

366

Dam Height

29

River Or Stream

tributary of Bogus Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2

Drainage Area

0.02

Nid Storage

20

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

29
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.