Mc Kinley Lake Dam

TR-WEST PLATTE RIVER· Union, Iowa· Built 1920· Earth· 19 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Mc Kinley Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in Iowa. It was completed in 1920 and is 106 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 19 ft (taller than 6.5% in IA)
Dam Length780 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage290 acre-ft
Normal Storage200 acre-ft
Surface Area38 acres
Drainage Area4 sq mi
Max Discharge0 cfs
Year Completed1920 (106 years old)
NID IDIA01376

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: May 27, 2016
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: IOWA DNR

Ownership

City of Creston

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Mc Kinley Lake Dam?

Mc Kinley Lake 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 Mc Kinley Lake Dam?

Mc Kinley Lake Dam is owned by City of Creston (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Mc Kinley Lake Dam built?

Mc Kinley Lake Dam was completed in 1920, making it 106 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 Mc Kinley Lake Dam?

Mc Kinley Lake 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 Mc Kinley Lake Dam?

Mc Kinley Lake Dam has a dam height of 19 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 Mc Kinley Lake Dam last inspected?

Mc Kinley Lake Dam was last inspected on May 27, 2016. 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.