Parnell Creek Subwatershed Site 17-1 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Located in Smithland, Iowa, Parnell Creek Subwatershed Site 17-1 is a dam with a primary purpose of fire protection, stock, or small fish pond, as well as flood risk reduction.
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Summary
Constructed in 1967, this earth dam stands at a height of 26 feet and spans a length of 530 feet, with a storage capacity of 73 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections, with a low hazard potential rating and a moderate risk assessment.
The dam, managed by the local government, plays a vital role in protecting the area from potential flooding and providing water resources for various purposes. With a drainage area of 0.26 square miles and a surface area of 3.7 acres, the dam serves as a crucial infrastructure for the community. Despite being not rated for its condition assessment, Parnell Creek Subwatershed Site 17-1 remains a significant structure in the region, contributing to the overall water management efforts and climate resilience strategies in Woodbury County, Iowa.
As a part of the larger Parnell Creek watershed, Site 17-1 stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts between the USDA NRCS, local government, and state regulatory agencies in ensuring the safety and sustainability of water resources in the area. With its multi-purpose design, the dam provides essential benefits for both human and ecological needs while mitigating flood risks and supporting the local ecosystem. The site's strategic location and design highlight the importance of integrated water resource management and climate adaptation measures in building resilient communities in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1967 |
Dam Length |
530 |
Dam Height |
26 |
River Or Stream |
TR-PARNELL CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3.7 |
Drainage Area |
0.26 |
Nid Storage |
73 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
26 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Maple River At Mapleton
|
323cfs |
West Fork Ditch At Hornick
|
80cfs |
Little Sioux River At Correctionville
|
327cfs |
Little Sioux River Near Turin
|
1040cfs |
Monona-Harrison Ditch Near Turin
|
158cfs |
Missouri River At Decatur
|
14800cfs |
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.
Parnell Creek Subwatershed Site 17-1