Powers Dam

TR-SPRING VALLEY CREEK· Mills, Iowa· Built 1960· Earth· 41 ft tall

Key Takeaway

Powers Dam is classified as low hazard in Iowa. It was completed in 1960 and is 66 years old. Its primary use is fire protection.

Physical Details

Dam Height 41 ft (taller than 86.2% in IA)
Dam Length597 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage50 acre-ft
Normal Storage3 acre-ft
Surface Area1 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge0 cfs
Year Completed1960 (66 years old)
NID IDIA00694

Safety Information

Low Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: September 27, 1961
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: IOWA DNR

Ownership

Ray Powers

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Powers Dam?

Powers Dam 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 Powers Dam?

Powers Dam is owned by Ray Powers (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Powers Dam built?

Powers Dam 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 Powers Dam?

Powers Dam serves the following purposes: Fire Protection, Stock, Or Small Fish Pond. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Powers Dam?

Powers Dam has a dam height of 41 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 Powers Dam last inspected?

Powers Dam was last inspected on September 27, 1961. 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.