Ottumwa
Key Takeaway
Ottumwa is classified as low hazard in Iowa. It was completed in 1960 and is 66 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 16 ft (taller than 4.7% in IA) |
| Dam Length | 781 ft |
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| Max Storage | 5.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 5.0K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 500 acres |
| Drainage Area | 13,430 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 135,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1960 (66 years old) |
| NID ID | IA01316 |
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
Ottumwa, City of
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Jefferson Park Watershed Site 10
Wapello, IA
High Hazard 30 ftJefferson Park Watershed Site 3
Wapello, IA
High Hazard 42 ftJefferson Park Watershed Site 5
Wapello, IA
High Hazard 43 ftJefferson Park Watershed Site 4
Wapello, IA
High Hazard 36 ftJefferson Park Watershed Site 1
Wapello, IA
High Hazard 36 ftIzzak Walton League Dam
Wapello, IA
Significant Hazard 35 ftAnderson Dam
Wapello, IA
Low Hazard 38 ftBaird Dam
Wapello, IA
Low Hazard 24 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Ottumwa?
Ottumwa 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 Ottumwa?
Ottumwa is owned by Ottumwa, City of (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Ottumwa built?
Ottumwa was completed in 1960, making it 66 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 Ottumwa?
Ottumwa serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric, Recreation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Ottumwa?
Ottumwa has a dam height of 16 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 Ottumwa last inspected?
Ottumwa was last inspected on June 2, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.