West Fork Big Creek Watershed Site W-27 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
West Fork Big Creek Watershed Site W-27, located in Ringgold County, Iowa, is a crucial 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 22 feet with a length of 427 feet, providing a storage capacity of 54 acre-feet and covering a surface area of 2.8 acres. It serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock watering, and flood risk reduction along the TR-Wolf Creek.
Managed by the Iowa DNR, this dam is state-regulated and undergoes inspection, permitting, and enforcement to ensure its operational and structural integrity. With a low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, the site is deemed to meet safety guidelines. Although not currently rated for condition assessment, the West Fork Big Creek Watershed Site W-27 plays a crucial role in managing water resources and mitigating flood risks in the region, showcasing effective collaboration between local government agencies and conservation service providers.
Supported by federal funding and designed for long-term sustainability, this watershed site exemplifies the importance of proactive water resource management in combating climate change impacts. With a focus on resilience and risk reduction, the West Fork Big Creek Watershed Site W-27 stands as a testament to the critical role of infrastructure in protecting communities and ecosystems from the challenges posed by a changing climate.
Year Completed |
2000 |
Dam Length |
427 |
Dam Height |
22 |
River Or Stream |
TR- WOLF CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2.8 |
Drainage Area |
0.18 |
Nid Storage |
54 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
22 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
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.
West Fork Big Creek Watershed Site W-27