Beeds Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Beeds Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Iowa. It was completed in 1937 and is 89 years old. Its primary use is recreation. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 44 ft (taller than 90.4% in IA) |
| Dam Length | 1,677 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 2.9K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 870 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 130 acres |
| Drainage Area | 32 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 0 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1937 (89 years old) |
| Year Modified | 1982 |
| NID ID | IA01344 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
Iowa Department of Natural Resources
State Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Beeds Lake Dam?
Beeds Lake Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Beeds Lake Dam?
Beeds Lake Dam is owned by Iowa Department of Natural Resources (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Beeds Lake Dam built?
Beeds Lake Dam was completed in 1937, making it 89 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.
What is the primary purpose of Beeds Lake Dam?
Beeds Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Beeds Lake Dam?
Beeds Lake Dam has a dam height of 44 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.
When was Beeds Lake Dam last inspected?
Beeds Lake Dam was last inspected on July 29, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.