Silver Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Silver Lake Dam, located in Delaware County, Iowa, was completed in 1948 and serves primarily for recreation purposes.


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Summary

The earth dam stands at a height of 25 feet and has a length of 200 feet, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 415 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and has a low hazard potential, with a moderate risk assessment rating.

Situated on the Maquoketa River, the Silver Lake Dam is owned by the local government and is subject to state jurisdiction, permitting, inspections, and enforcement. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 5 feet and has not been rated for its condition assessment. Despite its moderate risk level, the dam has not had an Emergency Action Plan prepared, and no updates have been made in recent years regarding emergency contacts or inundation maps.

Overall, Silver Lake Dam provides a vital resource for recreational activities in the area, while also contributing to the management of water resources in the region. With its scenic location and importance for the local community, the dam serves as a reminder of the intersection between human development and environmental conservation, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and maintenance to ensure its safety and functionality for years to come.

Year Completed

1948

Dam Length

200

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

TR-MAQUOKETA RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

39

Drainage Area

0.4

Nid Storage

415

Hazard Potential

Low

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.