Red Rock Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 8, 2025

The Red Rock Dam, located on the Des Moines River in Iowa, stands as a testament to the US Army Corps of Engineers' dedication to flood risk reduction.


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Summary

Completed in 1969, this gravity dam stretches 6,260 feet in length and rises 142 feet high, with a storage capacity of 1,624,970 acre-feet. While primarily serving flood risk reduction, the dam also provides recreational opportunities for the surrounding community.

With a hazard potential deemed high, the US Army Corps of Engineers closely monitors and manages the dam's condition to mitigate risks associated with potential flooding events. Regular maintenance and repairs are conducted to ensure the dam's structural integrity, while emergency action plans are continuously updated to prepare for any unforeseen emergencies. As climate change intensifies, the importance of the Red Rock Dam in protecting the local area from flooding becomes even more crucial, highlighting the vital role it plays in water resource management and climate resilience efforts.

Year Completed

1969

Dam Length

6260

Dam Height

142

River Or Stream

DES MOINES

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

15250

Hydraulic Height

104

Drainage Area

12323

Nid Storage

1624970

Structural Height

110

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 14, Tainter (radial) - 5

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

142
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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. 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

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, 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.