Camp Arrowhead Dam, located in Wapello, Iowa, along the TR-DES MOINES RIVER, was completed in 1958 for recreational purposes.
Wind
Humidity
The earth dam stands at 36 feet in height and spans 450 feet in length, providing a surface area of 15 acres and a drainage area of 0.39 square miles. Managed by a private owner, the dam is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular state inspections and enforcement.
Despite its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, Camp Arrowhead Dam has not been rated for its condition. The dam's spillway, of uncontrolled type, has a width of 0 feet, with no outlet gates or associated structures. The dam's maximum storage capacity is 460 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 225 acre-feet. While its last inspection was conducted in 1986, the dam has not been assessed for its condition since then.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Camp Arrowhead Dam presents an intriguing case study of a recreational earth dam in Iowa. As a privately owned structure with state regulation and oversight, the dam's management and maintenance practices, as well as its response to potential risks and emergencies, offer valuable insights into the preservation and sustainable use of water resources in the region.
Year Completed |
1958 |
Dam Length |
450 |
Dam Height |
36 |
River Or Stream |
TR-DES MOINES RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
15 |
Drainage Area |
0.39 |
Nid Storage |
460 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
36 |
Des Moines River At Ottumwa
|
1090cfs |
Fox River At Bloomfield
|
7cfs |
North Skunk River Near Sigourney
|
97cfs |
Des Moines River At Keosauqua
|
1800cfs |
Chariton River Near Moulton
|
34cfs |
Chariton River Near Rathbun
|
15cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Silver Mines
|
||
Silver Mines Recreation Area
|
||
Marble Creek Recreation Area
|
||
Marble Creek Rec Area
|