Cedar Rapids Milldam (5 In 1) dam
Cedar Rapids Milldam (5 In 1)
Cedar Rapids Milldam (5 In 1) is a captivating structure located in Linn County, Iowa, along the Cedar River. Built in 1978, this gravity dam stands at a height of 14 feet and has a hydraulic height of 11 feet. Its primary purpose is hydroelectric power generation, with a normal storage capacity of 9,843 acre-feet and a surface area of 985 acres.
Managed by the local government and regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Cedar Rapids Milldam is classified as a low hazard potential dam with a satisfactory condition assessment. The dam features a controlled spillway with a width of 605 feet, serving as a crucial component of the region's water resource infrastructure. Despite its age, the dam's risk assessment remains very high due to its structural complexity and the potential impact of a failure event.
With its rich history and significant contribution to hydroelectric power generation, Cedar Rapids Milldam (5 In 1) stands as a testament to the innovative engineering practices of its designers, Howard, Needles, T&B. As a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts, this dam represents a harmonious blend of technology and nature, showcasing the importance of sustainable water management practices in a changing climate landscape.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Cedar Rapids Milldam (5 In 1) -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Cedar River At Cedar Rapids | 4,490 cfs | → |
| Clear Creek Near Oxford | 26 cfs | → |
| Iowa River Below Coralville Dam Nr Coralville | 2,140 cfs | → |
| Clear Creek Near Coralville | 29 cfs | → |
| Rapid Creek Near Iowa City | 10 cfs | → |
| Wapsipinicon River Near Anamosa | 967 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Cedar Rapids Milldam (5 In 1).
Boat launches
- J Avenue Northeast 201, Cedar Rapids
- Otter View Road Linn County
- Kepler Drive Linn County
- Mcclintock Road Linn County
- Strawn Road Linn County
Track Cedar Rapids Milldam (5 In 1) in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Cedar Rapids Milldam (5 In 1)
Where does the data for Cedar Rapids Milldam (5 In 1) come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Cedar Rapids Milldam (5 In 1).