Arbor Valley Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Iowa Noname7 Merrill Dorland Dam
Last Updated: December 9, 2025
Arbor Valley Lake Dam, located in Osceola, Iowa, is a privately owned structure that serves primarily for recreational purposes.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Completed in 2008, this earth dam stands at a height of 58 feet and spans 867 feet in length, containing a storage capacity of 2593 acre-feet. Situated on TR-Whitebreast Creek, the dam's spillway type is uncontrolled with a width of 4 feet, presenting a high hazard potential but remaining in satisfactory condition as of the last assessment in June 2020.
Managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Arbor Valley Lake Dam undergoes regular inspections every two years to ensure its structural integrity and public safety. With a drainage area of 1.91 square miles and a surface area of 106 acres, this dam contributes to the local ecosystem and water resource management in Clarke County. Despite its moderate risk assessment, the dam's satisfactory condition and regulated state jurisdiction demonstrate responsible ownership and maintenance practices for water enthusiasts and climate advocates to appreciate.
Year Completed |
2008 |
Dam Length |
867 |
Dam Height |
58 |
River Or Stream |
TR- WHITEBREAST CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
106 |
Drainage Area |
1.91 |
Nid Storage |
2593 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
58 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Arbor Valley Lake Dam