Lake Sundown Dam
Key Takeaway
Lake Sundown Dam is classified as significant hazard in Iowa. It was completed in 1976 and is 50 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 51 ft (taller than 96% in IA) |
| Dam Length | 1,530 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 12.6K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 5.7K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 440 acres |
| Drainage Area | 22 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 0 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1976 (50 years old) |
| NID ID | IA00098 |
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
Coves of Sundown Lake Owners Association
Private
Nearby Dams
Sopa Creek Watershed Site 4-40a
Appanoose, IA
Low Hazard 27 ftSoap Creek Watershed Site 4-44
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Low Hazard 30 ftSoap Creek Watershed Site 4-40b
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Low Hazard 26 ftSoap Creek Watershed Site 4-39
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Low Hazard 22 ftSoap Creek Watershed Site 4-48
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Low Hazard 29 ftSoap Creek Watershed Site 4-38a
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Low Hazard 29 ftSundown Lake North Sediment Basin
Appanoose, IA
Low Hazard 32 ftSoap Creek Watershed Site 4-37
Appanoose, IA
Low Hazard 29 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Sundown Dam?
Lake Sundown 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 Sundown Dam?
Lake Sundown Dam is owned by Coves of Sundown Lake Owners Association (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Sundown Dam built?
Lake Sundown Dam was completed in 1976, making it 50 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 Sundown Dam?
Lake Sundown Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Lake Sundown Dam?
Lake Sundown Dam has a dam height of 51 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 Sundown Dam last inspected?
Lake Sundown Dam was last inspected on May 18, 2018. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.