Geode Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Geode Lake Dam, located in Des Moines, Iowa, is a state-owned structure that was completed in 1949 for the primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

The dam stands at 59 feet tall and stretches 1060 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 6200 acre feet and a surface area of 195 acres. It is situated on the TR-SKUNK RIVER, contributing to a drainage area of 15.35 square miles.

Managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure public safety. Despite being classified as having a significant hazard potential, the dam's condition is assessed as fair, with the last inspection conducted in May 2018. The spillway, measuring 60 feet in width, is uncontrolled, and the dam is designed as an earth structure with foundations on rock and soil.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Geode Lake Dam serves as a critical piece of infrastructure for recreational activities while also being a subject of interest due to its significant hazard potential. With its location on the TR-SKUNK RIVER and the supervision of the Iowa DNR, the dam is a focal point for discussions on risk management and safety measures in the face of changing climate conditions. As efforts continue to monitor and maintain the dam's integrity, it remains a key element in water resource management in the region.

Year Completed

1949

Dam Length

1060

Dam Height

59

River Or Stream

TR-SKUNK RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

195

Drainage Area

15.35

Nid Storage

6200

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

59
       
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.