Lake Oelwein Dam
Key Takeaway
Lake Oelwein Dam is classified as low hazard in Iowa. It was completed in 1908 and is 118 years old. Its primary use is recreation.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 16 ft (taller than 4.7% in IA) |
| Dam Length | 195 ft |
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| Max Storage | 200 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 88 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 50 acres |
| Drainage Area | 41 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 0 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1908 (118 years old) |
| NID ID | IA01343 |
Safety Information
No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
City of Oelwein
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Oelwein Dam?
Lake Oelwein Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Lake Oelwein Dam?
Lake Oelwein Dam is owned by City of Oelwein (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Oelwein Dam built?
Lake Oelwein Dam was completed in 1908, making it 118 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 Oelwein Dam?
Lake Oelwein 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 Oelwein Dam?
Lake Oelwein Dam has a dam height of 16 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 Oelwein Dam last inspected?
Lake Oelwein Dam was last inspected on July 26, 1988. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.