Cutler Dam

TR-WALNUT CREEK· Polk, Iowa· Built 1940· Earth· 32 ft tall
Low Hazard Fire Protection Stock Or Small Fish Pond Private

Key Takeaway

Cutler Dam is classified as low hazard in Iowa. It was completed in 1940 and is 86 years old. Its primary use is fire protection.

Physical Details

Dam Height 32 ft (taller than 58.4% in IA)
Dam Length350 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage50 acre-ft
Normal Storage34 acre-ft
Surface Area3 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge0 cfs
Year Completed1940 (86 years old)
NID IDIA02161

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
Last Inspection: July 17, 1986
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: IOWA DNR

Ownership

Ted Cutler

Private

Nearby Dams

Clive Lake Dam

Polk, IA

High Hazard 37 ft

Woodlands Parkway Dam

Polk, IA

Significant Hazard 28 ft

Colby Dam

Polk, IA

Low Hazard 26 ft

Country Club Business Park Dam

Dallas, IA

Significant Hazard 18 ft

West Lakes Office Park Dam

Polk, IA

High Hazard 41 ft

Southfork Dam

Dallas, IA

High Hazard 38 ft

Hallbrook Pond Dam

Dallas, IA

Significant Hazard 17 ft

Lake Point Dam

Dallas, IA

Significant Hazard 20 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Cutler Dam?

Cutler 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 Cutler Dam?

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

When was Cutler Dam built?

Cutler Dam was completed in 1940, making it 86 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 Cutler Dam?

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

How tall is Cutler Dam?

Cutler Dam has a dam height of 32 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 Cutler Dam last inspected?

Cutler Dam was last inspected on July 17, 1986. 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.