Diamondhead Lake Dam

LONG BRANCH CREEK· Guthrie, Iowa· Built 1963· Earth· 43 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Diamondhead Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in Iowa. It was completed in 1963 and is 63 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 43 ft (taller than 89% in IA)
Dam Length880 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage1.9K acre-ft
Normal Storage825 acre-ft
Surface Area102 acres
Drainage Area14 sq mi
Max Discharge0 cfs
Year Completed1963 (63 years old)
Year Modified1975
NID IDIA00409

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: July 16, 2019
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: IOWA DNR

Ownership

Long Branch Maintenance Corp

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Diamondhead Lake Dam?

Diamondhead 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 Diamondhead Lake Dam?

Diamondhead Lake Dam is owned by Long Branch Maintenance Corp (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Diamondhead Lake Dam built?

Diamondhead Lake Dam was completed in 1963, making it 63 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 Diamondhead Lake Dam?

Diamondhead 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 Diamondhead Lake Dam?

Diamondhead Lake Dam has a dam height of 43 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 Diamondhead Lake Dam last inspected?

Diamondhead Lake Dam was last inspected on July 16, 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.