Burlington Northern Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Burlington Northern Dam, located in Des Moines, Iowa, is a significant Earth dam with a height of 25 feet and a length of 300 feet.


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Summary

Completed in 1930, the dam serves various purposes and holds a storage capacity of 124 acre-feet. Situated on TR-Honey Creek near the Mississippi River, the dam is state-regulated and maintained by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

With a hazard potential rated as "Significant" and a risk assessment of "Moderate (3)", the Burlington Northern Dam poses a moderate risk to the surrounding area. Although the condition assessment is currently "Not Rated", the dam is inspected, permitted, and enforced by state regulatory agencies to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The dam's emergency action plan status, inundation maps, and risk management measures are not disclosed in the available data.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts may find the Burlington Northern Dam an interesting case study for its historical significance, design features, and regulatory oversight. As a private-owned structure, the dam plays a crucial role in water management and flood control in the region, highlighting the importance of sustainable infrastructure development and risk mitigation strategies in the face of changing climate patterns and increasing water resource challenges.

Year Completed

1930

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

TR-HONEY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4

Drainage Area

0.08

Nid Storage

124

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

25
       
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.