Geode Lake Dam, located in Des Moines, Iowa, is a state-owned structure that was completed in 1949 for the primary purpose of recreation.
Wind
Humidity
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 |
Skunk River At Augusta
|
188cfs |
Big Creek Near Mt. Pleasant
|
0cfs |
Cedar Creek Near Oakland Mills
|
10cfs |
Des Moines River At St. Francisville
|
1620cfs |
Iowa River At Wapello
|
4240cfs |
Des Moines River At Keosauqua
|
1800cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Geode State Park
|
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Geode State Park Campground
|
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Grays Landing
|
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Stephenson Park
|
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Upper Augusta Skunk River Access
|
||
Welter Recreation Park
|