Mc Dowel Dam #1 is an earth dam located in Lee County, Iowa, built in 1967. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
Dam profile
NID height · 40 ft40 ft tall and 584 ft long, taller than 86% of U.S. dams with a recorded height. Height is drawn to scale against a two-story house, about 25 ft; the profile is a generic embankment section and the water level is illustrative.
About Mc Dowel Dam #1
The primary purpose of Mc Dowel Dam #1 is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Horseshoe and Mcdowell Lakes Association, Inc. (private). It impounds the Prices Creek near Keokuk.
The dam stands 40 feet tall and stretches 584 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 30 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 679 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 3 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 06/17/2024.
At 40 feet, this dam is taller than 86% of dams nationwide.
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Location
| State | Iowa |
| County | Lee |
| Nearest City | Keokuk |
| River/Stream | Prices Creek |
| Coordinates | 40.44180, -91.41680 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 40 ft |
| Dam Height | 40 ft |
| Dam Length | 584 ft |
| Year Completed | 1967 (59 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 679 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 679 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 303 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 30 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3 sq mi |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | Horseshoe and Mcdowell Lakes Association, Inc. |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 06/17/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Not Required |
Identifiers
| NID ID | IA00576 |
| Federal ID | IA00576 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |