Lake Sugema Dam
Key Takeaway
Lake Sugema Dam is classified as high hazard in Iowa. It was completed in 1992 and is 34 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 | 50 ft (taller than 95.3% in IA) |
| Dam Length | 1,530 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 21.6K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 7.4K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 574 acres |
| Drainage Area | 18 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 0 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1992 (34 years old) |
| NID ID | IA02626 |
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
Van Buren County Board of Supervisors
Local Government
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Low Hazard 34 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Sugema Dam?
Lake Sugema Dam 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 Sugema Dam?
Lake Sugema Dam is owned by Van Buren County Board of Supervisors (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Sugema Dam built?
Lake Sugema Dam was completed in 1992, making it 34 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 Sugema Dam?
Lake Sugema Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation, Water Supply, Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Lake Sugema Dam?
Lake Sugema Dam has a dam height of 50 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 Sugema Dam last inspected?
Lake Sugema Dam was last inspected on July 8, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.