Desoto Dam
Key Takeaway
Desoto Dam is classified as low hazard in Iowa. It was completed in 1960 and is 66 years old. Its primary use is fish and wildlife pond.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 25 ft (taller than 19.3% in IA) |
| Dam Length | 2,950 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 45.4K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 7.3K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,900 acres |
| Drainage Area | 31 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1960 (66 years old) |
| NID ID | IA03163 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
US FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
Federal Government
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Low Hazard 51 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Desoto Dam?
Desoto 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 Desoto Dam?
Desoto Dam is owned by US FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Desoto Dam built?
Desoto Dam was completed in 1960, making it 66 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 Desoto Dam?
Desoto Dam serves the following purposes: Fish And Wildlife Pond, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Desoto Dam?
Desoto Dam has a dam height of 25 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 Desoto Dam last inspected?
Desoto Dam was last inspected on August 20, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.