Adel Milldam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Meggison Dam Brenton Farm Dam
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Adel Milldam, located on the North Raccoon River in Adel, Iowa, is a gravity dam completed in 1927 primarily for water supply purposes.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Managed by the local government, this dam stands at a height of 15 feet and spans a length of 252 feet, with a storage capacity of 1,448 acre-feet. The dam's low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment make it a crucial asset for water resource management in the region.
Owned and regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Adel Milldam plays a vital role in ensuring water supply and regulation in the area. With a surface area of 170 acres and serving a drainage area of 2,281 square miles, this dam is essential for maintaining the ecological balance of the North Raccoon River and surrounding areas. Although the dam's condition assessment is currently not rated, its strategic location and design contribute significantly to water resource conservation efforts.
Despite its age, Adel Milldam continues to operate effectively, meeting state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements. With its uncontrolled spillway and soil foundation, this structure reflects a blend of traditional engineering and modern regulatory standards. As climate change impacts water resources, the significance of dams like Adel Milldam only grows, highlighting the need for sustainable water management practices and investments in infrastructure to address evolving environmental challenges.
Year Completed |
1927 |
Dam Length |
252 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
NORTH RACCOON RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
170 |
Drainage Area |
2281 |
Nid Storage |
1448 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
15 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Raccoon River At Van Meter
|
1640cfs |
South Raccoon River At Redfield
|
268cfs |
Raccoon River Near West Des Moines
|
1300cfs |
Beaver Creek Near Grimes
|
183cfs |
Walnut Creek At Des Moines
|
10cfs |
Raccoon River At 63rd Street At Des Moines
|
587cfs |
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.
Adel Milldam