Bobwhite Lake Dam

SOUTH FORK CHARITON RIVER· Wayne, Iowa· Built 1900· Earth· 27 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation State Government

Key Takeaway

Bobwhite Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in Iowa. It was completed in 1900 and is 126 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 27 ft (taller than 30.7% in IA)
Dam Length630 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage1.8K acre-ft
Normal Storage800 acre-ft
Surface Area104 acres
Drainage Area6 sq mi
Max Discharge0 cfs
Year Completed1900 (126 years old)
Year Modified1956
NID IDIA01384

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 5, 2018
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: IOWA DNR

Ownership

Iowa Department of Natural Resources

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Bobwhite Lake Dam?

Bobwhite 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 Bobwhite Lake Dam?

Bobwhite 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 Bobwhite Lake Dam built?

Bobwhite Lake Dam was completed in 1900, making it 126 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 Bobwhite Lake Dam?

Bobwhite 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 Bobwhite Lake Dam?

Bobwhite Lake Dam has a dam height of 27 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 Bobwhite Lake Dam last inspected?

Bobwhite Lake Dam was last inspected on June 5, 2018. 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.