Easter Lake Stormwater Retention Basin - Site 9 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 10, 2025

Easter Lake Stormwater Retention Basin - Site 9, located in Des Moines, Iowa, is a vital flood risk reduction infrastructure designed by Snyder and Associates.


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Summary

Completed in 2005, this earth dam stands at a height of 24 feet and has a length of 475 feet, providing a significant storage capacity of 168 acre-feet. With a primary purpose of flood risk reduction, this retention basin plays a crucial role in managing stormwater runoff and protecting the surrounding areas from potential flooding.

The Easter Lake Stormwater Retention Basin is state-regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, ensuring that it meets all necessary standards for inspection, enforcement, and permitting. With a high hazard potential but a satisfactory condition assessment, this structure has a moderate risk assessment level. The spillway type is uncontrolled with a width of 8 feet, allowing for the safe release of excess water during heavy rainfall events. Despite its high hazard potential, the structure's risk management measures and emergency action plan are in place to mitigate any potential risks effectively.

This retention basin, situated on Tr-Yeader Creek, serves as a crucial piece of infrastructure in flood risk management for the Polk County area. With its efficient design and satisfactory condition, the Easter Lake Stormwater Retention Basin - Site 9 stands as a testament to effective water resource management and climate resilience in the region.

Year Completed

2005

Dam Length

475

Dam Height

24

River Or Stream

Tr- Yeader Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3.9

Drainage Area

1.85

Nid Storage

168

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

24
       
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.