Big Creek Diversion Dam
Key Takeaway
Big Creek Diversion Dam is classified as high hazard in Iowa. It was completed in 1970 and is 56 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. 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 | 80 ft (taller than 99.8% in IA) |
| Dam Length | 1,750 ft |
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| Max Storage | 27.5K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 7.6K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 885 acres |
| Drainage Area | 76 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 355 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1970 (56 years old) |
| NID ID | IA00014 |
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
USACE - Rock Island District
Federal Government
Nearby Dams
Big Creek Terminal Dam
Polk, IA
Low Hazard 70 ftYoung Dam
Polk, IA
Low Hazard 31 ftBig Creek Barrier Dam
Polk, IA
High Hazard 84 ftJester Park Estates Dam
Polk, IA
Significant Hazard 11 ftYoung Dam
Polk, IA
Low Hazard 25 ftShryock Dam
Polk, IA
Significant Hazard 30 ftLarson Dam
Boone, IA
Low Hazard 33 ftSaylorville Dam
Polk, IA
High Hazard 119 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Big Creek Diversion Dam?
Big Creek Diversion 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 Big Creek Diversion Dam?
Big Creek Diversion Dam is owned by USACE - Rock Island District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Big Creek Diversion Dam built?
Big Creek Diversion Dam was completed in 1970, making it 56 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 Big Creek Diversion Dam?
Big Creek Diversion Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Big Creek Diversion Dam?
Big Creek Diversion Dam has a dam height of 80 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 Big Creek Diversion Dam last inspected?
Big Creek Diversion Dam was last inspected on December 6, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.