East Fork Big Cr Wtrshd Site Z-6 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 11, 2025

East Fork Big Creek Watershed Site Z-6 in Decatur County, Iowa, is a local government-owned structure designed by USDA NRCS to manage flood risk in the area.


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Summary

Completed in 2003, this earth dam stands at 18 feet tall and stretches 505 feet in length, providing storage for up to 61 acre-feet of water. Situated on Zadie Creek, this dam plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of flooding in the region.

With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, East Fork Big Creek Watershed Site Z-6 is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The dam's primary purpose is flood risk reduction, with a spillway width of 1 foot and uncontrolled spillway type. The structure's condition assessment is currently not rated, with no emergency action plan in place as of the last update in May 2021.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate the strategic location of East Fork Big Creek Watershed Site Z-6, its importance in flood management, and the collaborative efforts of local government and USDA NRCS in its design and construction. As a key component in the region's water resource infrastructure, this earth dam serves as a vital tool in protecting communities and the environment from the impacts of extreme weather events and ensuring sustainable water management in Decatur County, Iowa.

Year Completed

2003

Dam Length

505

Dam Height

18

River Or Stream

TR- ZADIE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3.5

Drainage Area

0.18

Nid Storage

61

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

18
       
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.