Blue Grass Lake Dam

BLACK HAWK CREEK· Scott, Iowa· Built 1974· Earth· 28 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Other Local Government

Key Takeaway

Blue Grass Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in Iowa. It was completed in 1974 and is 52 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 28 ft (taller than 36.9% in IA)
Dam Length850 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage490 acre-ft
Normal Storage93 acre-ft
Surface Area14 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge0 cfs
Year Completed1974 (52 years old)
NID IDIA01970

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: June 17, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: IOWA DNR

Ownership

Scott County Conservation Board

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Blue Grass Lake Dam?

Blue Grass Lake Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Blue Grass Lake Dam?

Blue Grass Lake Dam is owned by Scott County Conservation Board (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Blue Grass Lake Dam built?

Blue Grass Lake Dam was completed in 1974, making it 52 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 Blue Grass Lake Dam?

Blue Grass Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation, Other. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Blue Grass Lake Dam?

Blue Grass Lake Dam has a dam height of 28 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 Blue Grass Lake Dam last inspected?

Blue Grass Lake Dam was last inspected on June 17, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

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.