Gustafson Lake Dam
Gustafson Lake Dam is an earth dam located in Buena Vista County, Iowa, built in 1974. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification.
About Gustafson Lake Dam
The primary purpose of Gustafson Lake Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Iowa Department Of Transportation (state). It impounds the Tr-little Sioux River near Sioux Rapids.
The dam stands 49 feet tall and stretches 1,150 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 9 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 176 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 1974, 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. The most recent inspection on record was 10/02/1979. That was over 46 years ago.
At 49 feet, this dam is taller than 92% of dams nationwide.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Iowa |
| County | Buena Vista |
| Nearest City | Sioux Rapids |
| River/Stream | Tr-little Sioux River |
| Coordinates | 42.87910, -95.15110 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 49 ft |
| Dam Height | 49 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,150 ft |
| Year Completed | 1974 (52 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 176 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 176 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 90 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 9 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | Iowa Department of Transportation |
| Owner Type | State |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Not Rated |
| Last Inspection | 10/02/1979 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Not Required |
Identifiers
| NID ID | IA02159 |
| Federal ID | IA02159 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |