Lake Belva Deer Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Lake Belva Deer Dam, located in Keokuk, Iowa, is a locally-owned earth dam completed in 2001 with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 55 feet and stretching 2070 feet in length, this dam holds a storage capacity of 8100 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 247 acres. The dam is situated on TR- GERMAN CREEK and is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

With a significant hazard potential, Lake Belva Deer Dam is inspected every five years and was last assessed in May 2018, receiving a satisfactory condition rating. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 3 feet and poses a moderate risk level. While there are no associated structures or outlet gates, the dam serves as a vital resource for the surrounding community, offering recreational opportunities and maintaining a normal storage capacity of 3666 acre-feet.

Managed by the local government, Lake Belva Deer Dam serves as a key element in water resource management and climate resiliency efforts in the region. This well-maintained earth dam provides essential flood protection, water storage, and recreational amenities for residents and visitors alike, highlighting the crucial role of sustainable infrastructure in ensuring the long-term health and vitality of our water resources and ecosystems.

Year Completed

2001

Dam Length

2070

Dam Height

55

River Or Stream

TR- GERMAN CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

247

Drainage Area

5.78

Nid Storage

8100

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

55
       
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.