Mc Dowel Dam #1, located in Lee County, Iowa, on Prices Creek, was completed in 1967 for the primary purpose of recreation. As a private-owned earth dam, it stands at a height of 40 feet and stretches 584 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 679 acre-feet, the dam covers a surface area of 30 acres and serves a drainage area of 3.31 square miles. Despite its uncontrolled spillway type, the dam has been deemed to have a significant hazard potential due to its location and design.

Maintained and regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Mc Dowel Dam #1 has undergone routine inspections, with the latest assessment in July 2019 determining its condition as satisfactory. Although it has not experienced any modifications or emergency action plan updates, the dam is considered to have a moderate risk level. With David Loebsack as the current Congressional representative for the area, the dam continues to be a significant feature for water resource and climate enthusiasts, providing both recreational opportunities and potential challenges for the surrounding community.

This earth dam, nestled in the picturesque city of Keokuk, Iowa, not only offers recreational activities but also poses a unique blend of risks and management measures that must be addressed to ensure its continued safety and functionality. With its historical significance dating back to the late 1960s, Mc Dowel Dam #1 serves as a vital water resource for the region, attracting visitors and researchers alike to explore its engineering marvel and ecological impact on Prices Creek and the surrounding landscape.