Thomas Mitchell Park Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 10, 2025

Located in Thomas Mitchell Park in Polk County, Iowa, the Thomas Mitchell Park Dam is a local government-owned structure designed by Angelo Belizzi.


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Summary

Completed in 1971, this earth dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, with a maximum storage capacity of 75 acre-feet and a normal storage of 25 acre-feet. The dam has a height of 27 feet and a length of 711 feet, controlling the flow of TR-Camp Creek into the Red Rock Reservoir.

Managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its structural integrity and public safety. Despite being classified as having a significant hazard potential, the dam's condition was assessed as satisfactory during its last inspection in July 2018. With a moderate risk rating, the Thomas Mitchell Park Dam continues to provide valuable recreational opportunities while maintaining a high level of safety and functionality for water resource and climate enthusiasts in the area.

Year Completed

1971

Dam Length

711

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

TR-CAMP CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4.2

Drainage Area

0.47

Nid Storage

75

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

27
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.