Lake Icaria Dam (Site M-1-A Walters Cr) Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Lake Icaria Dam, located on Kemp Creek in Nodaway, Adams County, Iowa, is a significant earth dam completed in 1974 by the USDA NRCS.
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Summary
With a height of 56 feet and a length of 1310 feet, this dam serves multiple purposes including flood risk reduction, recreation, and water supply. The reservoir has a normal storage capacity of 8650 acre-feet, providing valuable water resources for the surrounding community.
Managed by the local government and regulated by the Iowa DNR, Lake Icaria Dam plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks in the area. The dam has a significant hazard potential and is inspected every five years, with the most recent assessment in June 2020 revealing a satisfactory condition. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled with a width of 6 feet, ensuring efficient water discharge during high flow events.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Lake Icaria Dam offers a fascinating insight into dam engineering and water management practices in Iowa. With its strategic location and multiple functionalities, this earth dam stands as a testament to effective flood risk reduction measures while providing recreational opportunities and essential water supply resources for the region.
Year Completed |
1974 |
Dam Length |
1310 |
Dam Height |
56 |
River Or Stream |
KEMP CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
700 |
Drainage Area |
28 |
Nid Storage |
25310 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
56 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Lake Icaria Dam (Site M-1-A Walters Cr)