Lake Darling Dam
Key Takeaway
Lake Darling Dam is classified as significant hazard in Iowa. It was completed in 1950 and is 76 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 47 ft (taller than 93.3% in IA) |
| Dam Length | 1,230 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 9.8K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 3.2K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 304 acres |
| Drainage Area | 20 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 0 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1950 (76 years old) |
| Year Modified | 2012 |
| NID ID | IA01381 |
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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What is the hazard classification of Lake Darling Dam?
Lake Darling 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 Darling Dam?
Lake Darling 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 Darling Dam built?
Lake Darling Dam was completed in 1950, making it 76 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 Darling Dam?
Lake Darling 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 Lake Darling Dam?
Lake Darling Dam has a dam height of 47 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 Darling Dam last inspected?
Lake Darling Dam was last inspected on June 3, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.