Deer Creek Dam
Key Takeaway
Deer Creek Dam is classified as high hazard in Iowa. It was completed in 1995 and is 31 years old. Its primary use is recreation. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 55 ft (taller than 97.5% in IA) |
| Dam Length | 745 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.4K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 665 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 44 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 0 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1995 (31 years old) |
| NID ID | IA02937 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
Iowa Department of Natural Resources
State Government
Nearby Dams
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Low Hazard 35 ftWest Sunnyside Watershed Site C-3
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Low Hazard 34 ftWest Sunnyside Watershed Site C-6
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Low Hazard 33 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Deer Creek Dam?
Deer Creek Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Deer Creek Dam?
Deer Creek 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 Deer Creek Dam built?
Deer Creek Dam was completed in 1995, making it 31 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 Deer Creek Dam?
Deer Creek 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 Deer Creek Dam?
Deer Creek Dam has a dam height of 55 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 Deer Creek Dam last inspected?
Deer Creek Dam was last inspected on July 18, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.