SNOFLO
 


LAZY DAZ DAM

RESERVOIR LEVELS
Soil Dam Tr-Chariton
May 5, 2025


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Lazy Daz Dam, located in Rathbun Reservoir, Iowa, was completed in 1974 and is primarily used for recreation. 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_Height 43
River_Or_Stream TR-CHARITON
Dam_Length 550
Primary_Dam_Type Earth
Surface_Area 9
Drainage_Area 0.22
Nid_Storage 200
Hazard_Potential Low
Foundations Soil
Nid_Height 43
       

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