Lake Sugema Silt Dam Site C Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Lake Sugema Silt Dam Site C, located in Van Buren, Iowa, is a state-regulated earth dam built in 1994 for debris control along Indian Creek.


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Summary

The dam stands at 23 feet tall, with a length of 686 feet, and a storage capacity of 1740 acre-feet. With a normal storage capacity of 220 acre-feet and a surface area of 61 acres, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Lake Sugema Silt Dam Site C is still subject to state inspection, enforcement, and permitting requirements by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The dam's risk assessment is moderate, with a rating of 3 out of 5, indicating the need for ongoing monitoring and management measures to ensure its safety and integrity. With its strategic location and purpose, this dam serves as a vital infrastructure for water resource management and environmental protection in the region.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Lake Sugema Silt Dam Site C offers a fascinating case study in earth dam construction and management. From its design for debris control to its capacity for storing water and preventing flooding, this dam exemplifies the intersection of engineering, environmental stewardship, and regulatory oversight. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the role of structures like Lake Sugema Silt Dam Site C becomes even more critical in ensuring the resilience and sustainability of our ecosystems.

Year Completed

1994

Dam Length

686

Dam Height

23

River Or Stream

INDIAN CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

61

Drainage Area

5.95

Nid Storage

1740

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

23
       
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.