Big Creek Terminal Dam
Key Takeaway
Big Creek Terminal Dam is classified as low hazard in Iowa. It was completed in 1972 and is 54 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 70 ft (taller than 99.6% in IA) |
| Dam Length | 480 ft |
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| Max Storage | 27.5K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 15.6K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 885 acres |
| Drainage Area | 76 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 33,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1972 (54 years old) |
| NID ID | IA00015 |
Safety Information
No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.
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 Diversion Dam
Polk, IA
High Hazard 80 ftYoung Dam
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Low Hazard 31 ftJester Park Estates Dam
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Significant Hazard 11 ftBig Creek Barrier Dam
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High Hazard 84 ftYoung Dam
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Low Hazard 25 ftShryock Dam
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Significant Hazard 30 ftSaylorville Dam
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High Hazard 119 ftSaylorville Wildlife Area Dam
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Low Hazard 34 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Big Creek Terminal Dam?
Big Creek Terminal Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Big Creek Terminal Dam?
Big Creek Terminal 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 Terminal Dam built?
Big Creek Terminal Dam was completed in 1972, making it 54 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 Terminal Dam?
Big Creek Terminal 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 Terminal Dam?
Big Creek Terminal Dam has a dam height of 70 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 Terminal Dam last inspected?
Big Creek Terminal Dam was last inspected on December 6, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.