Crab Tree Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Deutsch Dam Percival/Putnam Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Crab Tree Lake Dam, located in Marshall County, Iowa, is a privately-owned earth dam completed in 1948 for recreational purposes.
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Summary
Standing at a height of 33 feet and spanning a length of 1300 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 800 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 42 acres. The dam regulates the flow of TR-Clear Creek and is under the jurisdiction of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, which oversees its permitting, inspection, and enforcement processes.
Despite its significant hazard potential, the dam was last inspected in July 2017 and was deemed to be in satisfactory condition. However, the risk assessment categorizes it as having a moderate risk level. The dam has an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 4 feet, and it is advised to have emergency action plans in place in case of any unforeseen events. The dam's location in a recreational area highlights the importance of maintaining its structural integrity to ensure the safety of visitors and nearby residents.
As a vital component of the local water resource infrastructure, Crab Tree Lake Dam plays a crucial role in water management and recreational activities in the area. Its design, construction, and oversight are essential for ensuring the safety and functionality of the dam for the community it serves. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate change will find Crab Tree Lake Dam to be an intriguing case study in dam management and the intersection of environmental conservation with recreational development.
Year Completed |
1948 |
Dam Length |
1300 |
Dam Height |
33 |
River Or Stream |
TR-CLEAR CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
42 |
Drainage Area |
2.72 |
Nid Storage |
800 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
33 |
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.
Crab Tree Lake Dam