Otter Creek Lake Dam dam
Otter Creek Lake Dam
Otter Creek Lake Dam, located in Tama, Iowa, stands as a testament to the harmonious blend of water resource management and climate conservation efforts. Constructed in 1968, this earth dam spans 935 feet in length and reaches a height of 45 feet, providing critical water storage capacity for the region. With a primary purpose focused on recreation, the dam not only safeguards the surrounding area from potential flood risks but also offers a scenic backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy.
Managed by the local government and regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Otter Creek Lake Dam undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and operational safety. Despite being classified with a significant hazard potential, the dam received a satisfactory condition assessment in 2017. Its spillway, although uncontrolled, remains effective in managing water flow, while the dam's core foundation of stone and soil ensures stability in various weather conditions. With a moderate risk assessment level, the dam continues to play a crucial role in water resource management for the community.
Otter Creek Lake Dam's strategic location along the Otter Creek river not only enhances the region's drainage and water storage capabilities but also contributes to the overall environmental resilience of the area. As climate change increasingly impacts water resources, this dam stands as a vital infrastructure asset that balances the needs of recreation, flood protection, and environmental conservation. By prioritizing safety, regulation, and risk management measures, Otter Creek Lake Dam remains a beacon of sustainable water resource management practices in Iowa.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Otter Creek Lake Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Richland Creek Near Haven | 34 cfs | → |
| Salt Creek Near Elberon | 131 cfs | → |
| Walnut Creek Near Hartwick | 33 cfs | → |
| Timber Creek Near Marshalltown | 88 cfs | → |
| Iowa River Near Belle Plaine | 2,050 cfs | → |
| Wolf Creek Near Dysart | 261 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Otter Creek Lake Dam.
Boat launches
- Atv Trail Tama
- P Avenue Tama County
- 360th Street Tama County
- C Avenue Tama County
- Richards Drive 2165, Tama County
- Bb Avenue Tama County
Campgrounds
- Otter Creek Lake And Park
- Union Grove State Park
- T. F. Clark Co Park
- Wolf Creek Rec Area
- Hickory Hills Park - La Porte City
- Riverview Park - Marshalltown
More reservoirs
Track Otter Creek Lake Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Otter Creek Lake Dam
Where does the data for Otter Creek Lake Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Significant hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Otter Creek Lake Dam.