Littleton Dam

WAPSIPINICON RIVER· Buchanan, Iowa· Built 1934· Gravity· 9 ft tall
Low Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Littleton Dam is classified as low hazard in Iowa. It was completed in 1934 and is 92 years old. Its primary use is recreation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 9 ft (taller than 1.7% in IA)
Dam Length200 ft
Dam TypeGravity
Max Storage465 acre-ft
Normal Storage465 acre-ft
Surface Area105 acres
Drainage Area899 sq mi
Max Discharge0 cfs
Year Completed1934 (92 years old)
NID IDIA01930

Safety Information

Low Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: October 4, 1984
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: IOWA DNR

Ownership

Robert McGlaughlin et al

Private

Nearby Dams

Fairbank Dam

Buchanan, IA

Low Hazard 12 ft

Independence Milldam

Buchanan, IA

Low Hazard 11 ft

Fontana Milldam

Buchanan, IA

Low Hazard 14 ft

Lake Oelwein Dam

Fayette, IA

Low Hazard 16 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Littleton Dam?

Littleton 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 Littleton Dam?

Littleton Dam is owned by Robert McGlaughlin et al (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Littleton Dam built?

Littleton Dam was completed in 1934, making it 92 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 Littleton Dam?

Littleton 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 Littleton Dam?

Littleton Dam has a dam height of 9 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 Littleton Dam last inspected?

Littleton Dam was last inspected on October 4, 1984. 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.