West Lake Dam

West Lake Dam is an earth dam located in Clarke County, Iowa, built in 1935. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.

About West Lake Dam

The primary purpose of West Lake Dam is water supply. The dam stores water for municipal, industrial, or agricultural use, helping ensure a reliable supply for the surrounding area. The dam is owned by City Of Osceola Water Utilities Board (local government). It impounds the Tr-south Squaw Creek near Jamison.

The dam stands 58 feet tall and stretches 1,275 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 306 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 9,675 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 9 square miles. Completed in 1935, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.

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 08/29/2022.

At 58 feet, this dam is taller than 95% of all dams in the United States.

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Significant HazardSatisfactory ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Not Required

Location

StateIowa
CountyClarke
Nearest CityJamison
River/StreamTr-south Squaw Creek
Coordinates41.04080, -93.80570

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeEarth
NID Height58 ft
Dam Height58 ft
Dam Length1,275 ft
Year Completed1935 (91 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage9,675 acre-ft
Max Storage9,675 acre-ft
Normal Storage4,195 acre-ft
Surface Area306 acres
Drainage Area9 sq mi
Spillway TypeUncontrolled

Ownership & Safety

PurposeWater Supply
OwnerCity of Osceola Water Utilities Board
Owner TypeLocal Government
Hazard ClassificationSignificant
Condition AssessmentSatisfactory
Last Inspection08/29/2022
Emergency Action PlanNot Required

Identifiers

NID IDIA00213
Federal IDIA00213
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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