Urban America Development Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 12, 2025

Urban America Development Dam, located in Urbandale, Iowa, was completed in 1966 and serves primarily as a recreational area for the community.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 31 feet and has a length of 346 feet, providing a storage capacity of 40 acre-feet. Situated on TR-Beaver Creek, the dam is regulated and inspected by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, ensuring its safety and compliance with state regulations.

With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment, Urban America Development Dam offers a safe environment for activities such as fire protection, stock watering, and fishing. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, and it has not been modified in recent years. The surrounding area boasts a surface area of 3.1 acres and a drainage area of 0.27 square miles, making it a valuable resource for both residents and wildlife in the region.

Owned privately and designed by Veenstra & Kimm, Urban America Development Dam stands as an example of effective water resource management in an urban setting. With its recreational focus and compliance with state regulations, this dam plays a crucial role in providing not only leisure opportunities but also environmental benefits to the community.

Year Completed

1966

Dam Length

346

Dam Height

31

River Or Stream

TR-BEAVER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3.1

Drainage Area

0.27

Nid Storage

40

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

31
       
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.