Fort Des Moines Park Dam
Key Takeaway
Fort Des Moines Park Dam is classified as high hazard in Iowa. It was completed in 1977 and is 49 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 | 49 ft (taller than 94.6% in IA) |
| Dam Length | 790 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 240 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 120 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 12 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 0 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1977 (49 years old) |
| NID ID | IA01840 |
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
Polk County Conservation Board
Local Government
Nearby Dams
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Significant Hazard 34 ftWakonda Country Club Dam
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Low Hazard 28 ftSe Des Moines Stormwater Det. Dam #4
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Significant Hazard 26 ftEaster Lake Retention Basin # 10
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Significant Hazard 22 ftSe Des Moines Stormwater Det. Dam #5
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Low Hazard 19 ftMc Aninch Dam
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Low Hazard 38 ftEaster Lake Stormwater Retention Basin - Site 9
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High Hazard 24 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Fort Des Moines Park Dam?
Fort Des Moines Park 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 Fort Des Moines Park Dam?
Fort Des Moines Park Dam is owned by Polk County Conservation Board (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Fort Des Moines Park Dam built?
Fort Des Moines Park Dam was completed in 1977, making it 49 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 Fort Des Moines Park Dam?
Fort Des Moines Park 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 Fort Des Moines Park Dam?
Fort Des Moines Park Dam has a dam height of 49 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 Fort Des Moines Park Dam last inspected?
Fort Des Moines Park Dam was last inspected on March 12, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.