Crescent Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Crescent Lake Dam, located in West Des Moines, Iowa, was completed in 2007 with the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Tr-Jordan Creek.


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Summary

Owned privately, this earth dam stands at a height of 22 feet and has a length of 245 feet, providing a storage capacity of 27 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and is inspected regularly to ensure its structural integrity and safety.

Despite its moderate risk assessment level, Crescent Lake Dam is considered to have a significant hazard potential due to its location and purpose. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 4 feet and serves multiple purposes including fire protection, stock or small fish pond, and flood risk reduction. With a surface area of 2 acres and a drainage area of 0.1 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources and mitigating potential flood risks in the area.

Designed by Bishop Engineering, Crescent Lake Dam remains an essential infrastructure for the community, particularly in times of heavy rainfall or flooding. Its strategic location and efficient design contribute to the overall water management efforts in Polk County, Iowa, highlighting the importance of sustainable water resource management practices in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

2007

Dam Length

245

Dam Height

22

River Or Stream

Tr- Jordan Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2

Drainage Area

0.1

Nid Storage

27

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

22
       
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.