Petersen Dam (Merle Petersen)
Key Takeaway
Petersen Dam (Merle Petersen) is classified as low hazard in Iowa. It was completed in 2009 and is 17 years old. Its primary use is grade stabilization.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 29 ft (taller than 42.8% in IA) |
| Dam Length | 641 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 122 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 45 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 7 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 0 cfs |
| Year Completed | 2009 (17 years old) |
| NID ID | IA03940 |
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
Merle Petersen
Private
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Low Hazard 51 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Petersen Dam (Merle Petersen)?
Petersen Dam (Merle Petersen) 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 Petersen Dam (Merle Petersen)?
Petersen Dam (Merle Petersen) is owned by Merle Petersen (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Petersen Dam (Merle Petersen) built?
Petersen Dam (Merle Petersen) was completed in 2009, making it 17 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 Petersen Dam (Merle Petersen)?
Petersen Dam (Merle Petersen) serves the following purposes: Grade Stabilization. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Petersen Dam (Merle Petersen)?
Petersen Dam (Merle Petersen) has a dam height of 29 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.