Bear Creek Watershed Site 23 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in the Bear Creek Watershed of Winneshiek County, Iowa, Site 23 is a flood risk reduction structure designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 2000.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 32 feet and spans 545 feet, with a maximum storage capacity of 46 acre-feet. The primary purpose of this dam is flood risk reduction, serving the community of Quandahl by protecting against potential inundation from TR- North Bear Creek.

Managed by the Iowa DNR, this low hazard potential structure is state-regulated and regularly inspected for safety and compliance. With a drainage area of 0.28 square miles and a surface area of 2.4 acres, Site 23 plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region. Although the risk assessment is moderate, the dam's condition is not currently rated, and emergency action plans are yet to be fully developed. Nonetheless, with its strategic location and design, this site is a key component in the overall watershed management strategy for the area.

Overall, Bear Creek Watershed Site 23 is an essential piece of infrastructure that contributes to the overall water resource management and climate resilience efforts in Winneshiek County. Through its flood risk reduction capabilities and regulated operation, this structure ensures the safety and protection of the surrounding community, highlighting the importance of sustainable water resource management practices in mitigating the impacts of extreme weather events and climate variability.

Year Completed

2000

Dam Length

545

Dam Height

32

River Or Stream

TR- NORTH BEAR CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2.4

Drainage Area

0.28

Nid Storage

46

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

32
       
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.