Parkview Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 12, 2025

Parkview Lake Dam, located in Urbandale, Iowa, serves as a crucial infrastructure for flood risk reduction in the area.


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Summary

Built in 1978 by the City of Urbandale, this earth dam stands 21 feet tall and stretches for 870 feet along Karen Acres Creek. With a storage capacity of 95 acre-feet, the dam helps mitigate flood risks while also providing recreational opportunities for the community.

Managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Parkview Lake Dam has been deemed to have a high hazard potential due to its location and the surrounding drainage area of 0.41 square miles. Despite this, the dam's condition was assessed as satisfactory during the last inspection in June 2019. The dam's spillway, which is uncontrolled and 5 feet wide, helps regulate water levels during heavy rainfall events.

While the dam poses some moderate risks, the City of Urbandale has taken measures to ensure its safe operation and maintenance. With its strategic location and importance in flood risk reduction efforts, Parkview Lake Dam stands as a key asset in water resource management for the community of Urbandale and beyond.

Year Completed

1978

Dam Length

870

Dam Height

21

River Or Stream

KAREN ACRES CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3

Drainage Area

0.41

Nid Storage

95

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

21
       
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.