Cedar Creek Dam is an earth dam located in Madison County, Iowa, built in 1939. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
Dam profile
NID height · 50 ft50 ft tall and 860 ft long, taller than 92% of U.S. dams with a recorded height. Height is drawn to scale against a ten-story building, about 100 ft; the profile is a generic embankment section and the water level is illustrative.
About Cedar Creek Dam
The primary purpose of Cedar Creek 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 Winterset Water Works (local government). It impounds the Tr-cedar Creek near Carlisle.
The dam stands 50 feet tall and stretches 860 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 84 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 1,820 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 16 square miles. Completed in 1939, 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 09/10/2024.
At 50 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 | Madison |
| Nearest City | Carlisle |
| River/Stream | Tr-cedar Creek |
| Coordinates | 41.37000, -93.99520 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 50 ft |
| Dam Height | 50 ft |
| Dam Length | 860 ft |
| Year Completed | 1939 (87 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 1,820 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 1,820 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 935 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 84 acres |
| Drainage Area | 16 sq mi |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | Winterset Water Works |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 09/10/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Not Required |
Identifiers
| NID ID | IA01360 |
| Federal ID | IA01360 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |