Cedar Creek Dam

TR-CEDAR CREEK· Madison, Iowa· Built 1939· Earth· 50 ft tall
Significant Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Cedar Creek Dam is classified as significant hazard in Iowa. It was completed in 1939 and is 87 years old. Its primary use is water supply. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 50 ft (taller than 95.3% in IA)
Dam Length860 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage1.8K acre-ft
Normal Storage935 acre-ft
Surface Area84 acres
Drainage Area17 sq mi
Max Discharge0 cfs
Year Completed1939 (87 years old)
Year Modified1978
NID IDIA01360

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: May 20, 2019
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: IOWA DNR

Ownership

Winterset Water Works

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Cedar Creek Dam?

Cedar Creek 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 Cedar Creek Dam?

Cedar Creek Dam is owned by Winterset Water Works (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Cedar Creek Dam built?

Cedar Creek Dam was completed in 1939, making it 87 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 Cedar Creek Dam?

Cedar Creek Dam serves the following purposes: Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Cedar Creek Dam?

Cedar Creek Dam has a dam height of 50 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 Cedar Creek Dam last inspected?

Cedar Creek Dam was last inspected on May 20, 2019. 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.