Deer Creek Dam
Deer Creek Dam is an earth dam located in Plymouth County, Iowa, built in 1995. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Deer Creek Dam
The primary purpose of Deer Creek 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 Natural Resources (state). It impounds the Deer Creek near Sioux City.
The dam stands 55 feet tall and stretches 745 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 44 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 1,400 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 2 square miles. Completed in 1995, the structure is 31 years old.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 06/19/2023.
At 55 feet, this dam is taller than 94% of dams nationwide.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Iowa dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Iowa |
| County | Plymouth |
| Nearest City | Sioux City |
| River/Stream | Deer Creek |
| Coordinates | 42.71810, -96.50450 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 55 ft |
| Dam Height | 55 ft |
| Dam Length | 745 ft |
| Year Completed | 1995 (31 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 1,400 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 1,400 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 665 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 44 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2 sq mi |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | Iowa Department of Natural Resources |
| Owner Type | State |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 06/19/2023 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | IA02937 |
| Federal ID | IA02937 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |