Lake Halice Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 12, 2025

Lake Halice Dam, located in Urbandale, Iowa, is a private-owned structure regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.


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Summary

Completed in 1961, this earth dam stands at 27 feet tall and spans a length of 1100 feet, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 120 acre-feet. The primary purpose of this dam is for recreation, offering a surface area of 9 acres for water enthusiasts to enjoy activities like boating and fishing.

Despite its significant hazard potential, Lake Halice Dam has been assessed as satisfactory in condition, with inspections carried out every five years to ensure its safety. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 3 feet and is situated on the North Walnut Creek tributary. The risk assessment for this structure is moderate, emphasizing the importance of ongoing risk management measures to mitigate any potential threats and ensure the safety of downstream communities.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Lake Halice Dam serves as a fascinating case study of a privately-owned recreational dam in Iowa. With its location in the Rock Island District and under the jurisdiction of the state regulatory agency, this dam highlights the importance of proper maintenance and inspection protocols to safeguard both the environment and public safety. As climate change continues to impact water resources, understanding the resilience of structures like Lake Halice Dam becomes increasingly crucial in adapting to future challenges and ensuring sustainable water management practices.

Year Completed

1961

Dam Length

1100

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

TR- NORTH WALNUT CR.

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9

Drainage Area

0.14

Nid Storage

120

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

27
       
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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.