Mathes
Key Takeaway
Mathes is classified as low hazard in Iowa. It was completed in 1941 and is 85 years old. Its primary use is recreation.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 64 ft (taller than 99.1% in IA) |
| Dam Length | 1,120 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.4K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.2K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 74 acres |
| Max Discharge | 15,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1941 (85 years old) |
| NID ID | IA00019 |
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
Iowa Army Ammunition Plant
Federal Government
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Low Hazard 24 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Mathes?
Mathes 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 Mathes?
Mathes is owned by Iowa Army Ammunition Plant (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Mathes built?
Mathes was completed in 1941, making it 85 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 Mathes?
Mathes 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 Mathes?
Mathes has a dam height of 64 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 Mathes last inspected?
Mathes was last inspected on October 11, 2016. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.