Sharp Dam

TR-WEST PLATTE RIVER· Union, Iowa· Built 1980· Earth· 21 ft tall

Key Takeaway

Sharp Dam is classified as low hazard in Iowa. It was completed in 1980 and is 46 years old. Its primary use is fire protection.

Physical Details

Dam Height 21 ft (taller than 8.8% in IA)
Dam Length560 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage81 acre-ft
Normal Storage38 acre-ft
Surface Area7 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge0 cfs
Year Completed1980 (46 years old)
NID IDIA02097

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
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: IOWA DNR

Ownership

Lowell W Sharp

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Sharp Dam?

Sharp 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 Sharp Dam?

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

When was Sharp Dam built?

Sharp Dam was completed in 1980, making it 46 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 Sharp Dam?

Sharp 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 Sharp Dam?

Sharp Dam has a dam height of 21 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.

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.