Lake Ellis Dam
Lake Ellis Dam is an earth dam located in Lucas County, Iowa, built in 1993. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Lake Ellis Dam
The primary purpose of Lake Ellis 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 Chariton Municipal Utilities (local government). It impounds the Tr-little Whitebreast Creek near Red Rock Reservoir.
The dam stands 38 feet tall and stretches 900 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 80 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 1,463 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 2 square miles. Completed in 1993, the structure is 33 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 fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. The most recent inspection on record was 06/29/2021.
At 38 feet, this dam is taller than 85% of dams nationwide.
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Location
| State | Iowa |
| County | Lucas |
| Nearest City | Red Rock Reservoir |
| River/Stream | Tr-little Whitebreast Creek |
| Coordinates | 41.01260, -93.25970 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 38 ft |
| Dam Height | 38 ft |
| Dam Length | 900 ft |
| Year Completed | 1993 (33 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 1,463 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 1,463 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 803 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 80 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2 sq mi |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | Chariton Municipal Utilities |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 06/29/2021 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Not Required |
Identifiers
| NID ID | IA01358 |
| Federal ID | IA01358 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |