Shaw Dam, located in Des Moines, Iowa, is a privately-owned earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1969.
With a height of 33 feet and a length of 250 feet, the dam serves primarily for fire protection and as a stock or small fish pond. It has a storage capacity of 38 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 3 acres, with a drainage area of 0.06 square miles.
Managed by the Iowa DNR and regulated by the state, Shaw Dam has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating. Although its condition is currently not rated, the dam undergoes state inspection, permitting, and enforcement. The spillway is uncontrolled, and the dam's foundation is soil-based, serving as a vital structure in the region for water resource management and climate adaptation efforts.
Situated along the TR-Big Hollow Creek and the Mississippi River, Shaw Dam plays a crucial role in water retention and storage for the surrounding area. With its strategic location and purposeful design, the dam contributes to fire protection, stock maintenance, and ecological sustainability. As a key feature in the local landscape, Shaw Dam exemplifies the integration of infrastructure and natural resources management for the benefit of both water resources and climate enthusiasts alike.
Wind
Humidity
Year Completed |
1969 |
Dam Length |
250 |
Dam Height |
33 |
River Or Stream |
TR-BIG HOLLOW CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3 |
Drainage Area |
0.06 |
Nid Storage |
38 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
33 |
Skunk River At Augusta
|
1160cfs |
Iowa River At Wapello
|
7560cfs |
Big Creek Near Mt. Pleasant
|
1cfs |
Henderson Creek Near Oquawka
|
113cfs |
Pope Creek Near Keithsburg
|
56cfs |
Edwards River Near New Boston
|
107cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Big Hollow Creek Park
|
||
Geode State Park Campground
|
||
Geode State Park
|
||
Upper Augusta Skunk River Access
|