Black Dam

TR-SOUTH OTTER CREEK· Lucas, Iowa· Built 1976· Earth· 30 ft tall

Key Takeaway

Black Dam is classified as low hazard in Iowa. It was completed in 1976 and is 50 years old. Its primary use is fire protection.

Physical Details

Dam Height 30 ft (taller than 48.2% in IA)
Dam Length400 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage79 acre-ft
Normal Storage33 acre-ft
Surface Area5 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge0 cfs
Year Completed1976 (50 years old)
NID IDIA01608

Safety Information

Low Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: No
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: IOWA DNR

Ownership

Glen Black

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Black Dam?

Black 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 Black Dam?

Black Dam is owned by Glen Black (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Black Dam built?

Black Dam was completed in 1976, making it 50 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 Black Dam?

Black Dam serves the following purposes: Fire Protection, Stock, Or Small Fish Pond, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Black Dam?

Black Dam has a dam height of 30 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.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.