Des Moines-Scott Street Milldam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 12, 2025

Des Moines-Scott Street Milldam is a historic gravity dam located in Des Moines, Iowa, along the Des Moines River.


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Summary

Built in 1920, this local government-owned structure serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a serene environment for water resource and climate enthusiasts to enjoy. With a height of 7 feet and a length of 684 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 798 acre-feet, providing a surface area of 200 acres for outdoor activities.

Managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the Des Moines-Scott Street Milldam is regulated and inspected to ensure public safety and environmental protection. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is considered to have a moderate risk level, emphasizing the importance of ongoing risk assessment and management measures. While its condition assessment is currently not rated, the structure remains a significant part of the local landscape, attracting visitors and serving as a key feature of the Des Moines River.

For those interested in exploring the intersection of water resources and climate resilience, the Des Moines-Scott Street Milldam offers a unique opportunity to appreciate the engineering and environmental aspects of dam infrastructure. With its historical significance and recreational value, this gravity dam stands as a testament to the importance of managing water resources sustainably and adapting to changing climate conditions. Whether for leisurely activities or educational purposes, the dam serves as a focal point for understanding the interplay between natural systems and human interventions in the dynamic landscape of Iowa's waterways.

Year Completed

1920

Dam Length

684

Dam Height

7

River Or Stream

DES MOINES RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

200

Drainage Area

9879

Nid Storage

798

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

7
       
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.