Lake Anita Dam

TR-TURKEY CREEK· Cass, Iowa· Built 1970· Earth· 53 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Water Supply State Government

Key Takeaway

Lake Anita Dam is classified as significant hazard in Iowa. It was completed in 1970 and is 56 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 53 ft (taller than 97% in IA)
Dam Length1,125 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage4.0K acre-ft
Normal Storage2.4K acre-ft
Surface Area171 acres
Drainage Area4 sq mi
Max Discharge0 cfs
Year Completed1970 (56 years old)
NID IDIA01336

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 21, 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 Lake Anita Dam?

Lake Anita 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 Lake Anita Dam?

Lake Anita 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 Lake Anita Dam built?

Lake Anita Dam was completed in 1970, making it 56 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 Lake Anita Dam?

Lake Anita Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Lake Anita Dam?

Lake Anita Dam has a dam height of 53 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 Lake Anita Dam last inspected?

Lake Anita Dam was last inspected on June 21, 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.