Lazy Daz Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Iowa Noname3 Moore Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Lazy Daz Dam, located in Rathbun Reservoir, Iowa, was completed in 1974 and is primarily used for recreation.
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Summary
Owned privately, the dam stands at a height of 43 feet with a length of 550 feet, providing a storage capacity of 200 acre-feet and a surface area of 9 acres. With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment, the dam is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and is subject to state inspection, permitting, and enforcement.
Designed by the USDA NRCS, Lazy Daz Dam sits on the TR-CHARITON river/stream and is constructed of earth with a soil foundation. It has an uncontrolled spillway and no associated locks or gates. Despite being labeled as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment, the dam's risk management measures are not specified, and its Emergency Action Plan (EAP) status and inundation maps remain unknown. With a risk assessment level of moderate, the dam's condition and safety protocols may need further evaluation and improvement to ensure the protection of surrounding communities and water resources.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Lazy Daz Dam presents an interesting case study in private ownership and state regulation of recreational dams. Its location in Appanoose County, Iowa, within the Rock Island District, highlights the importance of maintaining and monitoring earth dams for both human safety and environmental sustainability. With its significant storage capacity and potential impact on the TR-CHARITON river/stream, ongoing assessments and improvements to the dam's safety measures are crucial to mitigating risks and ensuring the long-term resilience of this vital water infrastructure.
Year Completed |
1974 |
Dam Length |
550 |
Dam Height |
43 |
River Or Stream |
TR-CHARITON |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
9 |
Drainage Area |
0.22 |
Nid Storage |
200 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
43 |
Seasonal Comparison
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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.
Lazy Daz Dam
Rathbun Lake Near Rathbun
County Road S70 Appanoose County