Lake Ahquabi Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 9, 2025

Lake Ahquabi Dam, located in Warren County, Iowa, was completed in 1935 and is owned by the state.


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Summary

The dam stands at 43 feet tall and spans a length of 1020 feet, holding a maximum storage capacity of 2395 acre-feet. With its primary purpose being recreation, the dam creates a surface area of 113 acres and is situated on TR-Squaw Creek, a tributary of the Red Rock Reservoir.

Managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state. Although its hazard potential is classified as significant, the dam's condition assessment is fair as of May 2019. While it poses a moderate risk, there are no emergency action plans in place, and the last inspection took place in May 2019. The spillway, with a width of 30 feet, is uncontrolled, allowing for the controlled release of excess water to prevent overflow.

Lake Ahquabi Dam serves as a vital recreational area in Iowa, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water-related activities. With its scenic location and significant storage capacity, the dam plays a crucial role in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region. While the dam's risk assessment indicates moderate potential, ongoing monitoring and maintenance ensure the safety and integrity of this essential water infrastructure.

Year Completed

1935

Dam Length

1020

Dam Height

43

River Or Stream

TR- SQUAW CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

113

Drainage Area

5.16

Nid Storage

2395

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.