Horse Lake Dam

TR-PERRY CREEK· Plymouth, Iowa· Built 1963· Earth· 67 ft tall
Significant Hazard Fire Protection Stock Or Small Fish Pond Local Government

Key Takeaway

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

Physical Details

Dam Height 67 ft (taller than 99.4% in IA)
Dam Length730 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage391 acre-ft
Normal Storage216 acre-ft
Surface Area19 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge0 cfs
Year Completed1963 (63 years old)
NID IDIA00893

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: June 1, 2016
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: IOWA DNR

Ownership

Plymouth County Board of Supervisors

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Horse Lake Dam?

Horse 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 Horse Lake Dam?

Horse Lake Dam is owned by Plymouth County Board of Supervisors (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Horse Lake Dam built?

Horse 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 Horse Lake Dam?

Horse Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Fire Protection, Stock, Or Small Fish Pond. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Horse Lake Dam?

Horse Lake Dam has a dam height of 67 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 Horse Lake Dam last inspected?

Horse Lake Dam was last inspected on June 1, 2016. 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.