Mc Farland Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Isu Dam Arnold Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Mc Farland Lake Dam, located in Ames, Iowa, is a privately owned earth dam with a primary purpose of recreation.
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Summary
Constructed in 1966 by the USDA NRCS, this dam stands at 27 feet high and spans 422 feet in length. It holds a normal storage capacity of 56 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 7.4 acres, with a drainage area of 0.53 square miles. Situated on the TR-SKUNK RIVER, this dam is under the regulatory supervision of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Mc Farland Lake Dam carries a moderate risk assessment rating of 3. While its condition is currently not rated, the dam has not undergone an inspection in recent years. Emergency action plans and inundation maps have not been prepared, raising concerns about the readiness for potential risks. With no outlet gates or associated structures, the dam's risk management measures and overall risk characterization remain unspecified.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts intrigued by the Mc Farland Lake Dam can appreciate its recreational significance and the role it plays in regulating water flow on the TR-SKUNK RIVER. As a privately owned structure, its operational and management aspects are closely monitored by state regulatory agencies. Further evaluation and updates on its condition assessment and emergency preparedness measures would be beneficial in ensuring the safety and sustainability of this important water resource feature.
Year Completed |
1966 |
Dam Length |
422 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
TR-SKUNK RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7.4 |
Drainage Area |
0.53 |
Nid Storage |
99 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
27 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
South Skunk River Near Ames
|
92cfs |
Squaw Creek At Ames
|
53cfs |
South Skunk River Below Squaw Creek Near Ames
|
130cfs |
Indian Creek Near Mingo
|
79cfs |
Des Moines River Near Stratford
|
1720cfs |
Fourmile Creek Near Ankeny
|
9cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Mc Farland Lake Dam