Cedar Creek Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 12, 2025

Cedar Creek Dam, located in Carlisle, Iowa, was completed in 1939 by the Howard R Green Company and is owned by the local government.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 50 feet and spans a length of 860 feet, with a primary purpose of water supply. It has a normal storage capacity of 935 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 1820 acre-feet, serving the surrounding area with a surface area of 84 acres and a drainage area of 16.72 square miles.

Managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Cedar Creek Dam is classified as a significant hazard potential structure, but its condition is assessed as satisfactory. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 60 feet and undergoes inspections every 5 years for safety and regulatory compliance. With a moderate risk rating of 3, the dam poses a potential risk that is actively managed through risk assessment and measures, ensuring the safety of the community and water resources in the area.

Cedar Creek Dam plays a crucial role in providing water supply to the region and is a key asset in water resource management. As an earth dam with a stone core foundation, its construction and design reflect the engineering expertise of its time and continue to serve the community effectively. With its location along the Cedar Creek river, the dam stands as a testament to sustainable water infrastructure and the importance of climate resilience in maintaining a reliable water supply for the future.

Year Completed

1939

Dam Length

860

Dam Height

50

River Or Stream

TR-CEDAR CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

84

Drainage Area

16.72

Nid Storage

1820

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

50
       
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.