West Lakes Office Park Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 12, 2025

West Lakes Office Park Dam, located in Polk County, Iowa, serves as a crucial flood risk reduction structure along the TR-Walnut Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1990 by CEC, Inc., this earth dam stands at a height of 41 feet and has a storage capacity of 267 acre-feet. The primary purpose of the dam is to protect the surrounding area from flooding, making it an essential asset in the region's water resource management efforts.

With a surface area of 10.4 acres and a drainage area of 0.44 square miles, West Lakes Office Park Dam plays a significant role in mitigating flood risks and ensuring water security for the nearby city of West Des Moines. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2019 deemed it to be satisfactory, providing reassurance to residents and stakeholders. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources regulates and inspects the dam, enforcing necessary measures to ensure its safety and functionality.

As a private-owned structure, West Lakes Office Park Dam exemplifies the importance of collaboration between public agencies and private entities in managing water resources and climate-related risks. Its strategic location and effective design make it a vital component of the region's infrastructure, serving as a testament to the proactive approach taken towards flood risk reduction and water management in Iowa.

Year Completed

1990

Dam Length

930

Dam Height

41

River Or Stream

TR-WALNUT CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10.4

Drainage Area

0.44

Nid Storage

267

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

41
       
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.