Camp Arrowhead Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Camp Arrowhead Dam, located in Wapello, Iowa, along the TR-DES MOINES RIVER, was completed in 1958 for recreational purposes.


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Summary

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
       
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.