Lower Pine Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Lower Pine Lake Dam, located in Eldora, Iowa, is a state-owned structure designed by Waryzn Engineering and completed in 1922.
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Summary
The dam, standing at a height of 33 feet and stretching 450 feet in length, serves primarily for recreational purposes along Pine Creek. Its earth construction with stone core and rock-soil foundations reflect a blend of traditional and sturdy design elements.
The dam boasts a storage capacity of 924 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 360 acre-feet and a surface area of 85 acres. With a drainage area of 15.47 square miles, the dam is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and subject to regular inspections to ensure its satisfactory condition. While deemed to have a significant hazard potential, the risk assessment categorizes it as moderate, highlighting the importance of ongoing risk management measures.
Despite its age, Lower Pine Lake Dam continues to provide valuable recreational opportunities while standing as a testament to enduring engineering excellence. As a focal point along Pine Creek, this dam represents a harmonious intersection of natural beauty and human ingenuity, making it a significant landmark in the water resource and climate conservation sphere.
Year Completed |
1922 |
Dam Length |
450 |
Dam Height |
33 |
River Or Stream |
PINE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
85 |
Drainage Area |
15.47 |
Nid Storage |
924 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
33 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Lower Pine Lake Dam