Big Mill Wetlands Dam dam
Big Mill Wetlands Dam
Big Mill Wetlands Dam, located in Jackson, Iowa, is a state-regulated structure with a primary purpose of recreation. Built in 1981 by the SCS, this earth dam stands at 11 feet tall and spans 3500 feet in length, providing a surface area of 17 acres for visitors to enjoy. Situated on TR- MILL CREEK, the dam offers a serene environment for water resource and climate enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the surrounding wetlands ecosystem.
With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment, Big Mill Wetlands Dam has not been rated for its condition assessment. Despite this, the dam remains a popular spot for outdoor activities such as fishing, birdwatching, and nature photography. Managed by the Iowa DNR, the dam is regularly inspected, permitted, and enforced to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure for all visitors.
As a key feature in the Bellevue area, Big Mill Wetlands Dam serves as a vital recreational resource within the community. Its location along TR- MILL CREEK provides a unique opportunity for visitors to connect with nature and appreciate the importance of water conservation and wetlands preservation. Whether you're a local resident or a visitor passing through Iowa, the Big Mill Wetlands Dam is a must-visit destination for those seeking to immerse themselves in the beauty of the natural world.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Big Mill Wetlands Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Apple River Near Hanover | 121 cfs | → |
| North Fork Maquoketa River Near Fulton | 420 cfs | → |
| Maquoketa River Near Maquoketa | 1,340 cfs | → |
| Sinsinawa River Near Menominee | 22 cfs | → |
| Platte River Near Rockville | 216 cfs | → |
| Grant River At Burton | 276 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Big Mill Wetlands Dam.
Boat launches
- Grand River Staircase Bellevue
- Great River Road Jackson County
- Decatur Street Galena
- Massey Marina Lane Dubuque County
- 482nd Avenue Jackson County
Track Big Mill Wetlands Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Big Mill Wetlands Dam
Where does the data for Big Mill Wetlands Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Big Mill Wetlands Dam.