Independence Milldam dam
Independence Milldam
Independence Milldam, located in Buchanan County, Iowa, along the Wapsipinicon River, serves as a key recreational spot for water resource and climate enthusiasts. Built in 1922, this gravity dam stands at a height of 11 feet and spans 341 feet in length, creating a surface area of 440 acres and holding a maximum storage capacity of 2,834 acre-feet. While primarily designed for recreational purposes, Independence Milldam is also regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, ensuring its safety and maintenance for visitors to enjoy.
Despite its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, Independence Milldam has not been rated for its condition assessment. However, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place, the dam remains a safe and attractive destination for outdoor activities. As a part of the Detroit District, there are no associated federal agencies involved in the ownership or funding of the dam, highlighting its local government management and operation.
Visitors to Independence Milldam can appreciate its historical significance and scenic beauty, while also recognizing the importance of proper maintenance and risk management for sustainable enjoyment of this water resource. With its picturesque location and recreational offerings, Independence Milldam stands as a testament to the intersection of human ingenuity and natural beauty in the heart of Iowa.
Dam data reference
Condition Assessment
- Satisfactory
- No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
- Fair
- No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action.
- Poor
- A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency.
- Unsatisfactory
- A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
- Not Rated
- The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Hazard Potential Classification
- High
- Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
- Significant
- Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
- Low
- Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
- Undetermined
- Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Independence Milldam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Wapsipinicon River At Independence | 1,950 cfs | → |
| Cedar River At Waterloo | 4,330 cfs | → |
| Maquoketa River At Manchester | 525 cfs | → |
| Wolf Creek Near Dysart | 369 cfs | → |
| Cedar River At Cedar Falls | 4,070 cfs | → |
| Black Hawk Creek At Hudson | 304 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Independence Milldam.
Boat launches
- Wapsi Access Boulevard Buchanan County
- Us 20 Independence
- Otterville Boulevard Buchanan County
- I 380;Ia 27 Buchanan County
- 325th Street Buchanan County
- 22nd Avenue Benton County
Campgrounds
- Independence City Rv Park
- Three Elms County Park
- Boies Bend County Area
- Fontana County Park
- Fontana County Park Campgrounds
- Veterans Memorial County Park
Fishing spots
Paddle runs
Track Independence Milldam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Independence Milldam
Where does the data for Independence Milldam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Independence Milldam.