Meadow Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Meadow Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in Iowa. It was completed in 1964 and is 62 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 39 ft (taller than 82.4% in IA) |
| Dam Length | 920 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 770 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 293 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 42 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 0 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1964 (62 years old) |
| NID ID | IA00020 |
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
Iowa Department of Natural Resources
State Government
Nearby Dams
Meadow Lake Sediment Detention Dam
Adair, IA
Low Hazard 23 ftNewton Dam
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Low Hazard 22 ftAshmore Dam
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Low Hazard 25 ftJoshua Rardin Dam
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Low Hazard 22 ftBaudler Dam
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Low Hazard 29 ftClyde Frizell
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Low Hazard 26 ftLinn Dam
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Low Hazard 27 ftNeumann & Hunter Dam
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Low Hazard 26 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Meadow Lake Dam?
Meadow 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 Meadow Lake Dam?
Meadow Lake Dam is owned by Iowa Department of Natural Resources (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Meadow Lake Dam built?
Meadow Lake Dam was completed in 1964, making it 62 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 Meadow Lake Dam?
Meadow 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 Meadow Lake Dam?
Meadow Lake Dam has a dam height of 39 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 Meadow Lake Dam last inspected?
Meadow Lake Dam was last inspected on July 16, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.