English Bench Watershed Site 4 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

English Bench Watershed Site 4 in Allamakee, Iowa, is a vital water management site designed by the USDA NRCS to serve multiple purposes such as fire protection, stock watering, and small fish pond creation, as well as flood risk reduction.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Completed in 1969, this earth dam stands at a height of 34 feet with a length of 424 feet, providing a storage capacity of 81 acre-feet and covering a surface area of 5 acres. Situated along the TR-Upper Iowa River, this site is regulated by the Iowa DNR and falls under the jurisdiction of the state for permitting, inspection, and enforcement.

With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, English Bench Watershed Site 4 is a crucial infrastructure contributing to water resource management in the region. The dam's condition is currently not rated, but it is regularly inspected by state authorities to ensure its structural integrity and functionality. Located in the city of Mississippi River, this site plays a significant role in water conservation, flood control, and emergency preparedness efforts in the area.

Owned and operated by the local government, English Bench Watershed Site 4 is a key component of the St. Paul District's water management infrastructure. With its uncontrolled spillway type and soil foundation, this dam provides essential water storage and discharge regulation capabilities to protect downstream areas from flooding and support agricultural and ecological needs in the region. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the importance of such watershed sites is crucial for sustainable water management practices and conservation efforts.

Year Completed

1969

Dam Length

424

Dam Height

34

River Or Stream

TR-UPPER IOWA RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5

Drainage Area

1.7

Nid Storage

81

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

34
       
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.