Rathbun Dam

CHARITON RIVER· Appanoose, Iowa· Built 1972· Earth·

High Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Other Navigation Fish And Wildlife Pond Recreation Federal Government

Key Takeaway

Rathbun Dam is classified as high hazard in Iowa. It was completed in 1972 and is 54 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Length	10,120 ft
Dam Type	Earth
Max Storage	552.0K acre-ft
Normal Storage	205.4K acre-ft

Surface Area	11,013 acres
Drainage Area	549 sq mi
Max Discharge	45,600 cfs
Year Completed	1972 (54 years old)
NID ID	IA00016

Safety Information

High Hazard

Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes

Last Inspection: March 15, 2021

State Regulated: No

Ownership

USACE - Kansas City District

Federal Government

Nearby Dams

Stills Dam

Appanoose, IA

Low Hazard 31 ft

Yates Dam

Appanoose, IA

Low Hazard 25 ft

Mystic Reservoir Dam

Appanoose, IA

Low Hazard 31 ft

Appanoose Country Club Dam

Appanoose, IA

Low Hazard 33 ft

Burgher Dam

Appanoose, IA

Low Hazard 31 ft

Appanoose County Roadgrade

Appanoose, IA

Low Hazard 24 ft

Eddy Dam

Appanoose, IA

Low Hazard 33 ft

Argo Dam

Appanoose, IA

Low Hazard 25 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Rathbun Dam?

Rathbun Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Rathbun Dam?

Rathbun Dam is owned by USACE - Kansas City District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Rathbun Dam built?

Rathbun Dam was completed in 1972, making it 54 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 Rathbun Dam?

Rathbun Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Other, Navigation, Fish And Wildlife Pond, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

When was Rathbun Dam last inspected?

Rathbun Dam was last inspected on March 15, 2021. 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.