Mathes dam
Mathes
Mathes, also known as Mathes Lake, is a federal-owned water resource located in Fort Madison, Iowa. Managed by the US Army, this recreational dam was completed in 1941 and stands at a height of 64 feet with a hydraulic height of 27 feet. The dam spans 1120 feet and has a maximum storage capacity of 1440 acre-feet, making it a vital water source for the surrounding area.
Situated on Long Creek, Mathes serves as a popular spot for outdoor activities and water recreation in Des Moines County. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is regulated and inspected by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The spillway, with a width of 75 feet, is designed as uncontrolled, allowing for controlled release of excess water during high flow events. With a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, Mathes is monitored closely to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure for both residents and visitors alike.
While the condition assessment is currently listed as "Not Available," Mathes Dam undergoes frequent inspections every four years to assess any potential risks and ensure proper maintenance. With its strategic location and vital role in providing recreational opportunities and water storage, Mathes remains a significant asset in the management of water resources in the region.
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 Mathes -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Skunk River At Augusta | 2,010 cfs | → |
| Big Creek Near Mt. Pleasant | 7 cfs | → |
| Cedar Creek Near Oakland Mills | 49 cfs | → |
| Henderson Creek Near Oquawka | 243 cfs | → |
| Des Moines River At St. Francisville | 6,530 cfs | → |
| Iowa River At Wapello | 9,450 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Mathes .
Boat launches
- High Street Burlington
- Des Moines County
- Schuyler Street Oquawka
- Diversion Channel Des Moines County
- Putney's Landing Access Road Henderson County
- 20th Street 1000, Louisa County
Campgrounds
- Lower Augusta Skunk River Access
- Welter Recreation Park
- Upper Augusta Skunk River Access
- Grays Landing
- Geode State Park Campground
- Geode State Park
More reservoirs
Track Mathes 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 Mathes
Where does the data for Mathes 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 Mathes .