Easter Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 10, 2025

Easter Lake Dam in Iowa stands as a vital structure for recreational purposes, providing a serene setting for water resource and climate enthusiasts to enjoy.


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Summary

Completed in 1967, this earth dam on Yeader Creek boasts a height of 43 feet and a length of 1860 feet, creating a surface area of 218 acres and a normal storage capacity of 3200 acre-feet. The dam's spillway, with a width of 18 feet, ensures controlled water release to manage potential flooding risks.

Maintained by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Easter Lake Dam undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and overall condition remain satisfactory. With a significant hazard potential, the dam is equipped with emergency action plans and risk management measures to mitigate any potential threats. Positioned within Polk County in Des Moines, the dam serves as a critical piece of infrastructure in managing water resources and enhancing the region's recreational offerings.

Water enthusiasts and climate advocates can appreciate Easter Lake Dam not only for its functional importance but also for the natural beauty it provides. With its significant role in flood control and recreational opportunities, this earth dam serves as a testament to effective water resource management and environmental stewardship in the heart of Iowa.

Year Completed

1967

Dam Length

1860

Dam Height

43

River Or Stream

YEADER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

218

Drainage Area

10.16

Nid Storage

6200

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

43
       
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.