Dakins Lake Dam (Original Dam) Reservoir Report
Nearby: Dakins Lake Dam Manneter Dam
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Dakins Lake Dam (Original Dam) in Zearing, Iowa, stands as a significant earth dam completed in 1951 by the USDA SCS, with a height of 24 feet and a length of 520 feet.
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Summary
It serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a storage capacity of 77 acre-feet and covering a surface area of 5.5 acres. The dam is regulated by the Iowa DNR, ensuring regular inspections, permitting, and enforcement to maintain its structural integrity and safety.
Located on TR-Minerva Creek in Story County, Iowa, Dakins Lake Dam poses a moderate risk level due to its significant hazard potential and uncontrolled spillway type. Its condition assessment is currently not rated, with emergency action plans and risk management measures yet to be fully established. However, the dam's ownership by the local government and state jurisdiction guarantee ongoing maintenance and monitoring to mitigate potential threats and ensure the safety of surrounding communities and water resources.
As a vital structure in the region, Dakins Lake Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management and climate adaptation efforts. Its presence on Minerva Creek contributes to the overall drainage area and water flow dynamics, highlighting the interconnectedness of dams with the natural environment. With its historical significance and recreational value, the dam serves as a reminder of the importance of sustainable infrastructure development and the need for continued assessment and maintenance to address evolving climate challenges.
Year Completed |
1951 |
Dam Length |
520 |
Dam Height |
24 |
River Or Stream |
TR-MINERVA CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5.5 |
Drainage Area |
1.23 |
Nid Storage |
77 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
24 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Dakins Lake Dam (Original Dam)