Oakland Mills Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Oakland Mills, Iowa, the Oakland Mills Dam is a gravity dam constructed in 1910 on the Skunk River.


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Summary

With a height of 10 feet and a length of 471 feet, this dam serves a primary purpose of recreation and has a normal storage capacity of 3,140 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and is inspected, permitted, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its safety and functionality.

The Oakland Mills Dam has a low hazard potential and is currently in satisfactory condition, as assessed in 2009. The spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 254 feet, and the dam is built on a soil foundation. Although the dam has not been modified in recent years, it poses a moderate risk according to a risk assessment rating of 3. With its scenic location and recreational opportunities, the Oakland Mills Dam is a significant landmark in Henry County, Iowa, attracting water resource and climate enthusiasts who appreciate its engineering and environmental impact on the Skunk River ecosystem.

For those interested in the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience, the Oakland Mills Dam offers a fascinating case study of a historic gravity dam that continues to provide recreational benefits while meeting regulatory standards for safety and operation. The dam's association with the Skunk River and its modest storage capacity make it an important feature in the local landscape, contributing to flood control and water supply management efforts in the region. As water resource and climate enthusiasts explore the Oakland Mills Dam, they can appreciate its role in balancing human needs with ecological considerations, highlighting the complex relationship between infrastructure development and environmental stewardship in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1910

Dam Length

471

Dam Height

10

River Or Stream

SKUNK RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

630

Drainage Area

4001

Nid Storage

3140

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

10
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.