Grade Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Grade Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Iowa. It was completed in 1900 and is 126 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 | 44 ft (taller than 90.4% in IA) |
| Dam Length | 1,300 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 865 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 217 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 26 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 0 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1900 (126 years old) |
| Year Modified | 1992 |
| NID ID | IA01819 |
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
City of Osceola
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Pleasant Dam
Clarke, IA
Low Hazard 43 ftQ Pond Park Dam
Clarke, IA
Low Hazard 34 ftEast Lake Dam
Clarke, IA
Significant Hazard 41 ftFrank Riley Dam
Clarke, IA
Low Hazard 32 ftIowa Noname7
Clarke, IA
Low Hazard 26 ftWest Lake Dam
Clarke, IA
Significant Hazard 58 ftArbor Valley Lake Dam
Clarke, IA
High Hazard 58 ftReed Dam
Clarke, IA
Low Hazard 39 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Grade Lake Dam?
Grade Lake 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 Grade Lake Dam?
Grade Lake Dam is owned by City of Osceola (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Grade Lake Dam built?
Grade Lake Dam was completed in 1900, making it 126 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 Grade Lake Dam?
Grade 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 Grade Lake Dam?
Grade Lake Dam has a dam height of 44 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 Grade Lake Dam last inspected?
Grade Lake Dam was last inspected on May 22, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.