Sun Valley Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Sun Valley Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in Iowa. It was completed in 1971 and is 55 years old. Its primary use is other. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 67 ft (taller than 99.4% in IA) |
| Dam Length | 1,565 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 11.9K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 7.4K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 370 acres |
| Drainage Area | 6 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 0 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1971 (55 years old) |
| Year Modified | 1982 |
| NID ID | IA00973 |
Safety Information
No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
Sun Valley Iowa Lake Association
Private
Nearby Dams
Cheers Dam
Union, IA
Low Hazard 28 ftVan Hall Dam
Union, IA
Low Hazard 8 ftBrown Dam
Union, IA
Low Hazard 28 ftEast Fork Grand River Watershed Site D-28
Ringgold, IA
Low Hazard 24 ftEast Fork of Grand River Watershed Site D-28
Ringgold, IA
Low Hazard 24 ftEast Fork Grand River Watershed Site D-31
Ringgold, IA
Low Hazard 18 ftEast Fork Grand River Watershed Site D-25
Ringgold, IA
Low Hazard 22 ftMc Guire Dam
Union, IA
Low Hazard 29 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Sun Valley Lake Dam?
Sun Valley Lake Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Sun Valley Lake Dam?
Sun Valley Lake Dam is owned by Sun Valley Iowa Lake Association (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Sun Valley Lake Dam built?
Sun Valley Lake Dam was completed in 1971, making it 55 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 Sun Valley Lake Dam?
Sun Valley Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Other, Recreation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Sun Valley Lake Dam?
Sun Valley Lake Dam has a dam height of 67 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 Sun Valley Lake Dam last inspected?
Sun Valley Lake Dam was last inspected on June 9, 2016. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.