Hooper Dam dam
Hooper Dam
Hooper Dam, located in Indianola, Iowa, serves as a vital water resource for the area, particularly along the TR- Squaw Creek. Built in 1996, this earth dam stands at a height of 37 feet and spans 900 feet in length, providing recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike. With a normal storage capacity of 418 acre-feet and a surface area of 44.8 acres, Hooper Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources and supporting outdoor activities in the region.
Managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (Iowa DNR) and regulated by the state, Hooper Dam has a low hazard potential and is assessed to be in fair condition as of May 2019. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 7 feet, ensuring the safe release of excess water. Despite its moderate risk level, the dam has not undergone significant modifications in recent years, showcasing its stability and resilience in managing water flow and storage. Its location along the TR- Squaw Creek makes it a key feature in the local landscape and a valuable asset for the community.
As a recreational dam, Hooper Dam not only provides essential water storage but also offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities. With Cindy Axne, a Democrat, representing the area in Congress, the dam's management and maintenance play a crucial role in ensuring water safety and environmental sustainability. Overall, Hooper Dam stands as a testament to effective water resource management and serves as a scenic backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts and climate advocates in the region.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Hooper Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| South River Near Ackworth | 48 cfs | → |
| Middle River Near Indianola | 199 cfs | → |
| North River Near Norwalk | 223 cfs | → |
| White Breast Creek Near Dallas | 31 cfs | → |
| Raccoon River Near West Des Moines | 1,300 cfs | → |
| Raccoon River At 63rd Street At Des Moines | 1,810 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Hooper Dam.
Track Hooper Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Hooper Dam
Where does the data for Hooper Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Hooper Dam.