Geode Lake Dam

TR-SKUNK RIVER· Des Moines, Iowa· Built 1949· Earth· 59 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation State Government

Key Takeaway

Geode Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in Iowa. It was completed in 1949 and is 77 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 59 ft (taller than 98.4% in IA)
Dam Length1,060 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage6.2K acre-ft
Normal Storage4.7K acre-ft
Surface Area195 acres
Drainage Area15 sq mi
Max Discharge0 cfs
Year Completed1949 (77 years old)
Year Modified1954
NID IDIA01347

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: May 22, 2018
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: IOWA DNR

Ownership

Iowa Department of Natural Resources

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Geode Lake Dam?

Geode 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 Geode Lake Dam?

Geode Lake 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 Geode Lake Dam built?

Geode Lake Dam was completed in 1949, making it 77 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 Geode Lake Dam?

Geode 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 Geode Lake Dam?

Geode Lake Dam has a dam height of 59 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 Geode Lake Dam last inspected?

Geode Lake Dam was last inspected on May 22, 2018. 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.