This private dam, completed in 1997, stands at a height of 25 feet and spans a length of 325 feet. Situated on the TR- Raccoon River, the dam has a storage capacity of 22 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 1.8 acres.
Managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Lauterbach Dam is regularly inspected, regulated, and enforced to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Classified with a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, the dam is designed with an uncontrolled spillway and is primarily constructed with earth and soil foundations. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam plays a crucial role in the local ecosystem and water resource management in the area.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Lauterbach Dam offers a fascinating insight into the intersection of human infrastructure and environmental conservation. As a privately owned structure with public safety implications, the dam's functions and management provide a valuable case study for understanding the dynamics of water governance and the importance of sustainable dam operations in a changing climate.
Year Completed |
1997 |
Dam Length |
325 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
TR- RACCOON RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
1.8 |
Drainage Area |
0.08 |
Nid Storage |
22 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
25 |
Raccoon River At Van Meter
|
1640cfs |
Raccoon River Near West Des Moines
|
1300cfs |
South Raccoon River At Redfield
|
268cfs |
Raccoon River At 63rd Street At Des Moines
|
587cfs |
Walnut Creek At Des Moines
|
10cfs |
North River Near Norwalk
|
48cfs |