Lake Cimarron
Key Takeaway
Lake Cimarron is classified as high hazard in Iowa. It was completed in 2012 and is 14 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 | 27 ft (taller than 30.7% in IA) |
| Dam Length | 700 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 569 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 264 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 28 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 3,980 cfs |
| Year Completed | 2012 (14 years old) |
| NID ID | IA04140 |
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
Joan Ahrens / Cimarron LLC
Private
Nearby Dams
Lake Ponderosa Dam
Poweshiek, IA
High Hazard 50 ftDiamond Lake Dam (Poweshiek Co)
Poweshiek, IA
Significant Hazard 40 ftDiamond Lake Watershed Site A-2
Poweshiek, IA
Low Hazard 18 ftDiamond Lake Watershed Site B-8
Poweshiek, IA
Significant Hazard 27 ftDiamond Lake Watershed Site B-9
Poweshiek, IA
Low Hazard 28 ftDiamond Lake Campground Dam
Poweshiek, IA
Low Hazard 26 ftMalcom Dam
Poweshiek, IA
Low Hazard 30 ftDiamond Lake Watershed Site C-14
Poweshiek, IA
Significant Hazard 29 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Cimarron?
Lake Cimarron 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 Lake Cimarron?
Lake Cimarron is owned by Joan Ahrens / Cimarron LLC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Cimarron built?
Lake Cimarron was completed in 2012, making it 14 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 Cimarron?
Lake Cimarron 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 Lake Cimarron?
Lake Cimarron has a dam height of 27 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 Cimarron last inspected?
Lake Cimarron was last inspected on June 1, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.