Mc Dowel Dam #1 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Mc Dowel Dam #1, located in Lee County, Iowa, on Prices Creek, was completed in 1967 for the primary purpose of recreation.
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Summary
As a private-owned earth dam, it stands at a height of 40 feet and stretches 584 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 679 acre-feet, the dam covers a surface area of 30 acres and serves a drainage area of 3.31 square miles. Despite its uncontrolled spillway type, the dam has been deemed to have a significant hazard potential due to its location and design.
Maintained and regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Mc Dowel Dam #1 has undergone routine inspections, with the latest assessment in July 2019 determining its condition as satisfactory. Although it has not experienced any modifications or emergency action plan updates, the dam is considered to have a moderate risk level. With David Loebsack as the current Congressional representative for the area, the dam continues to be a significant feature for water resource and climate enthusiasts, providing both recreational opportunities and potential challenges for the surrounding community.
This earth dam, nestled in the picturesque city of Keokuk, Iowa, not only offers recreational activities but also poses a unique blend of risks and management measures that must be addressed to ensure its continued safety and functionality. With its historical significance dating back to the late 1960s, Mc Dowel Dam #1 serves as a vital water resource for the region, attracting visitors and researchers alike to explore its engineering marvel and ecological impact on Prices Creek and the surrounding landscape.
Year Completed |
1967 |
Dam Length |
584 |
Dam Height |
40 |
River Or Stream |
Prices Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
30 |
Drainage Area |
3.31 |
Nid Storage |
679 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
40 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Des Moines River At St. Francisville
|
1620cfs |
Fox River At Wayland
|
8cfs |
Bear Creek Near Marcelline
|
5cfs |
Wyaconda River Above Canton
|
13cfs |
Skunk River At Augusta
|
346cfs |
La Moine River At Colmar
|
18cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
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. Investigations and studies are necessary.
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.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.
Hazard Potential Classification
HighDams 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, environment 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.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Victory Park
|
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Hubinger Landing Park
|
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Warsaw City Campground
|
Mc Dowel Dam #1