Cook Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Beaver Lake Dam Frette Dam
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
Cook Dam, located in Van Meter, Iowa, is a privately-owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS with a primary purpose of fire protection, stock, or small fish pond.
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Summary
Completed in 1965, this earth dam stands at a height of 31 feet and stretches 325 feet in length, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 60 acre-feet. The dam, situated on the TR-South Raccoon River, serves as a low hazard potential structure with a moderate risk assessment rating.
Managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Cook Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state agencies to ensure its structural integrity and public safety. Despite its uncontrolled spillway type, the dam has not been rated for its condition assessment, with the last inspection conducted in 1967. While the dam's associated structures are limited, its location within Dallas County provides essential water resource management for the surrounding area, supporting various agricultural and recreational activities while mitigating flood risks and providing essential wildlife habitat.
Year Completed |
1965 |
Dam Length |
325 |
Dam Height |
31 |
River Or Stream |
TR-SOUTH RACCOON RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4 |
Drainage Area |
0.35 |
Nid Storage |
60 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
31 |
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.
Cook Dam