Lake Macbride Dam

MILL CREEK· Johnson, Iowa· Built 1930· Earth· 56 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation State Government

Key Takeaway

Lake Macbride Dam is classified as significant hazard in Iowa. It was completed in 1930 and is 96 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 56 ft (taller than 97.8% in IA)
Dam Length900 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage28.0K acre-ft
Normal Storage15.8K acre-ft
Surface Area950 acres
Drainage Area27 sq mi
Max Discharge0 cfs
Year Completed1930 (96 years old)
NID IDIA01352

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: July 10, 2020
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 Macbride Dam?

Lake Macbride 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 Macbride Dam?

Lake Macbride 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 Macbride Dam built?

Lake Macbride Dam was completed in 1930, making it 96 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 Macbride Dam?

Lake Macbride 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 Macbride Dam?

Lake Macbride Dam has a dam height of 56 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 Macbride Dam last inspected?

Lake Macbride Dam was last inspected on July 10, 2020. 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.