Pleasant Creek Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Pleasant Creek Lake Dam, located in Palo, Iowa, was completed in 1977 and serves as a crucial structure for flood risk reduction in the region.


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Summary

With a height of 73 feet and a length of 2450 feet, this earth dam holds a maximum storage capacity of 11,000 acre-feet, with a normal storage capacity of 7,100 acre-feet. The dam is situated on Pleasant Creek, within Linn County, Iowa, and is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

The dam's primary purpose is flood risk reduction, with additional benefits for water supply in the area. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam is deemed to be in satisfactory condition as of the last assessment in July 2020. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 4 feet, and it undergoes regular inspections every two years to ensure its structural integrity and safety. With a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, the dam is equipped to handle potential emergency situations effectively.

Overall, Pleasant Creek Lake Dam stands as a vital infrastructure for managing water resources and mitigating flood risks in the region. Its strategic location on Pleasant Creek, efficient design by SHIVE HATTERY & ASSOC, and state jurisdiction ensure that it plays a key role in safeguarding the local community against potential water-related hazards. As climate change continues to impact weather patterns, the importance of structures like Pleasant Creek Lake Dam will only grow in significance for water resource and climate enthusiasts alike.

Year Completed

1977

Dam Length

2450

Dam Height

73

River Or Stream

PLEASANT CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

410

Drainage Area

3.88

Nid Storage

11000

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

73
       
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.