Located in Carlisle, Iowa, the Richard Hanrahan Dam is a recently completed earth dam designed by the USDA NRCS for grade stabilization along a tributary to Badger Creek.
Wind
Humidity
Completed in 2018, this private-owned dam serves multiple purposes including grade stabilization, recreation, and water supply. With a height of 29 feet and a length of 280 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 30 acre-feet and a surface area of 1.2 acres.
The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled with a width of 48 feet, capable of handling a maximum discharge of 456 cubic feet per second. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam is subject to moderate risk and is not currently rated for condition assessment. While no emergency action plan has been prepared or updated for the dam, it meets regulatory guidelines and has been inspected for safety and operation by state authorities. As an integral part of the local water resource infrastructure, the Richard Hanrahan Dam plays a crucial role in maintaining water quality and availability in the region.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find the Richard Hanrahan Dam a fascinating example of modern dam engineering for sustainable water management. From its design by the USDA NRCS to its multiple purposes of grade stabilization, recreation, and water supply, this earth dam showcases the importance of strategic infrastructure development in safeguarding natural resources. With its recent completion in 2018 and a storage capacity of 30 acre-feet, the dam contributes significantly to water conservation efforts in the area, serving as both a practical solution for environmental challenges and a recreational asset for the community.
Year Completed |
2018 |
Dam Length |
280 |
Dam Height |
29 |
River Or Stream |
Trib to Badger Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
1.2 |
Drainage Area |
0.21 |
Nid Storage |
30 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
29 |
Raccoon River Near West Des Moines
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1300cfs |
North River Near Norwalk
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48cfs |
Raccoon River At Van Meter
|
1640cfs |
Raccoon River At 63rd Street At Des Moines
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587cfs |
Middle River Near Indianola
|
48cfs |
Walnut Creek At Des Moines
|
10cfs |