Easter Lake Dam
Easter Lake Dam is an earth dam located in Polk County, Iowa, built in 1967. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Easter Lake Dam
The primary purpose of Easter Lake Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Polk County Conservation Board (local government). It impounds the Yeader Creek near Des Moines.
The dam stands 43 feet tall and stretches 1,860 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 218 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 6,200 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 10 square miles. Completed in 1967, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.
This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. The most recent inspection on record was 08/03/2022.
At 43 feet, this dam is taller than 89% of dams nationwide.
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Location
| State | Iowa |
| County | Polk |
| Nearest City | Des Moines |
| River/Stream | Yeader Creek |
| Coordinates | 41.54510, -93.55400 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 43 ft |
| Dam Height | 43 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,860 ft |
| Year Completed | 1967 (59 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 6,200 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 6,200 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 3,200 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 218 acres |
| Drainage Area | 10 sq mi |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | Polk County Conservation Board |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 08/03/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Not Required |
Identifiers
| NID ID | IA00915 |
| Federal ID | IA00915 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |