Viking Lake Dam

DUNNS CREEK· Montgomery, Iowa· Built 1957· Earth· 69 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation State Government

Key Takeaway

Viking Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in Iowa. It was completed in 1957 and is 69 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 69 ft (taller than 99.5% in IA)
Dam Length1,220 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage3.5K acre-ft
Normal Storage1.9K acre-ft
Surface Area148 acres
Drainage Area3 sq mi
Max Discharge0 cfs
Year Completed1957 (69 years old)
NID IDIA01366

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: July 5, 2017
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: IOWA DNR

Ownership

Iowa Department of Natural Resources

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Viking Lake Dam?

Viking 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 Viking Lake Dam?

Viking Lake Dam is owned by Iowa Department of Natural Resources (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Viking Lake Dam built?

Viking Lake Dam was completed in 1957, making it 69 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 Viking Lake Dam?

Viking Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Viking Lake Dam?

Viking Lake Dam has a dam height of 69 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 Viking Lake Dam last inspected?

Viking Lake Dam was last inspected on July 5, 2017. 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.