Willow Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Willow Lake Dam, located in Harrison County, Iowa, was completed in 1976 and is owned by the local government.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The dam, designed by DESIGN ENGINEERING,INC., serves the primary purpose of debris control along the TR-WILLOW CREEK river or stream. With a height of 31 feet and a length of 390 feet, the earth dam has a storage capacity of 44 acre-feet and a surface area of 19 acres.

Managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Willow Lake Dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the state. The dam's hazard potential is rated as low, with a moderate risk assessment score. While the dam's condition is currently not rated, it meets the necessary guidelines for emergency action planning. The dam also provides recreational opportunities in addition to its debris control function.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate the environmental impact and importance of Willow Lake Dam in managing water flow and debris along TR-WILLOW CREEK. As a key infrastructure in Harrison County, Iowa, the dam plays a crucial role in ensuring public safety and maintaining the ecological balance of the area. With its low hazard potential and moderate risk assessment, Willow Lake Dam stands as a testament to effective water resource management and engineering in the region.

Year Completed

1976

Dam Length

390

Dam Height

31

River Or Stream

TR-WILLOW CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

19

Drainage Area

0.21

Nid Storage

44

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

31
       
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.