Lake Keomah Dam
Key Takeaway
Lake Keomah Dam is classified as significant hazard in Iowa. It was completed in 1935 and is 91 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 42 ft (taller than 87.5% in IA) |
| Dam Length | 1,100 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.7K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 802 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 82 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 0 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1935 (91 years old) |
| Year Modified | 1966 |
| NID ID | IA00642 |
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
Nearby Dams
Lake Keomah Silt Dam
Mahaska, IA
Low Hazard 25 ftVan Donselar Dam
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Low Hazard 30 ftGroenedyk Dam
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Low Hazard 30 ftHugen Dam
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Low Hazard 22 ftScheuermann Dam
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Low Hazard 24 ftGatton Dam
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Low Hazard 30 ftEdel Dam
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Low Hazard 22 ftWhite Oak Lake Dam
Mahaska, IA
Significant Hazard 39 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Keomah Dam?
Lake Keomah 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 Keomah Dam?
Lake Keomah 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 Keomah Dam built?
Lake Keomah Dam was completed in 1935, making it 91 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 Keomah Dam?
Lake Keomah 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 Keomah Dam?
Lake Keomah Dam has a dam height of 42 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 Keomah Dam last inspected?
Lake Keomah Dam was last inspected on June 1, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.