Hawthorne Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Hawthorne Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in Iowa. It was completed in 1979 and is 47 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 45 ft (taller than 91.4% in IA) |
| Dam Length | 900 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 4.1K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.9K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 160 acres |
| Drainage Area | 5 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 0 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1979 (47 years old) |
| NID ID | IA01874 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
Iowa Department of Natural Resources
State Government
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Low Hazard 27 ftDiamond Lake Campground Dam
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Low Hazard 26 ftDiamond Lake Watershed Site C-14
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Significant Hazard 29 ftWheeler Dam
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Low Hazard 28 ftDiamond Lake Dam (Poweshiek Co)
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Significant Hazard 40 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Hawthorne Lake Dam?
Hawthorne 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 Hawthorne Lake Dam?
Hawthorne 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 Hawthorne Lake Dam built?
Hawthorne Lake Dam was completed in 1979, making it 47 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 Hawthorne Lake Dam?
Hawthorne 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 Hawthorne Lake Dam?
Hawthorne Lake Dam has a dam height of 45 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 Hawthorne Lake Dam last inspected?
Hawthorne Lake Dam was last inspected on June 14, 2017. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.