Meadow Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
Meadow Lake Dam, located in Adair, Iowa, was completed in 1964 and is owned and regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
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Summary
The dam, with a height of 39 feet and a length of 920 feet, serves primarily for recreational purposes, providing a storage capacity of 770 acre-feet and covering a surface area of 42 acres. Situated on the TR-North Turkey Creek, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.
With a significant hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, Meadow Lake Dam undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The condition assessment conducted in July 2019 deemed the dam to be in satisfactory condition. While it operates with uncontrolled spillways and no outlet gates, the dam remains a key feature for water resource management and climate enthusiasts in the area, attracting visitors to its scenic surroundings for recreational activities.
As a state-owned structure, Meadow Lake Dam stands as a testament to Iowa's commitment to water conservation and management. With its earth dam type and soil foundation, the dam represents a critical infrastructure for the region, highlighting the importance of sustainable water resource practices in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1964 |
Dam Length |
920 |
Dam Height |
39 |
River Or Stream |
TR-NORTH TURKEY CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
42 |
Drainage Area |
1.31 |
Nid Storage |
770 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
39 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
South Raccoon River At Redfield
|
268cfs |
Middle Raccoon River At Panora
|
92cfs |
Middle Raccoon River Near Bayard
|
121cfs |
Raccoon River At Van Meter
|
1640cfs |
East Nishnabotna River Near Atlantic
|
143cfs |
Raccoon River Near West Des Moines
|
1300cfs |
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.
Meadow Lake Dam