West Branch Flood Control Dam
Key Takeaway
West Branch Flood Control Dam is classified as high hazard in Iowa. It was completed in 2012 and is 14 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 Height | 24 ft (taller than 15.8% in IA) |
| Dam Length | 600 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 111 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 0 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 0 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 3,410 cfs |
| Year Completed | 2012 (14 years old) |
| NID ID | IA04223 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
City of West Branch
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Hays Dam
Johnson, IA
Low Hazard 22 ftWorrel Dam
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Low Hazard 27 ftScott Blvd Dam
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High Hazard 20 ftStoppelmoor Dam
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Low Hazard 24 ftNorth Branch Ralston Creek Dam
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High Hazard 37 ftCoralville Dam
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High Hazard 100 ftBurlington Street Dam
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Low Hazard 20 ftDovetail Estates Dam
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Significant Hazard 23 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of West Branch Flood Control Dam?
West Branch Flood Control 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 West Branch Flood Control Dam?
West Branch Flood Control Dam is owned by City of West Branch (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was West Branch Flood Control Dam built?
West Branch Flood Control Dam was completed in 2012, making it 14 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 West Branch Flood Control Dam?
West Branch Flood Control Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is West Branch Flood Control Dam?
West Branch Flood Control Dam has a dam height of 24 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 West Branch Flood Control Dam last inspected?
West Branch Flood Control Dam was last inspected on June 14, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.