Mc Kinley Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Mc Kinley Lake Dam in Creston, Iowa, stands as a significant structure owned by the local government and regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.


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Summary

Completed in 1920, this earth dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a storage capacity of 290 acre-feet and covering a surface area of 38 acres. The dam, with a height of 19 feet and a length of 780 feet, holds back the waters of the TR-West Platte River to create a serene lake for outdoor activities.

Despite its satisfactory condition assessment as of June 2016, Mc Kinley Lake Dam poses a significant hazard potential due to its uncontrolled spillway and moderate risk rating. The dam has not been modified over the years and undergoes inspections every five years to ensure its safety and integrity. In case of emergencies, the dam's emergency action plan status remains unclear, raising questions about the preparedness and effectiveness of response measures. With its peaceful surroundings and potential risks, Mc Kinley Lake Dam serves as a vital reminder of the balance between water resource utilization and climate-related challenges in the region.

Year Completed

1920

Dam Length

780

Dam Height

19

River Or Stream

TR-WEST PLATTE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

38

Drainage Area

3.46

Nid Storage

290

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

19
       
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.