Shaw Dam, located in Des Moines, Iowa, is a privately-owned earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1969.
Wind
Humidity
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.
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
|
188cfs |
Iowa River At Wapello
|
4240cfs |
Big Creek Near Mt. Pleasant
|
0cfs |
Henderson Creek Near Oquawka
|
37cfs |
Pope Creek Near Keithsburg
|
22cfs |
Edwards River Near New Boston
|
45cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Big Hollow Creek Park
|
||
Geode State Park Campground
|
||
Geode State Park
|
||
Upper Augusta Skunk River Access
|