Meadow Lake Sediment Detention Dam dam
Meadow Lake Sediment Detention Dam
Situated in Adair, Iowa, the Meadow Lake Sediment Detention Dam is a state-owned structure designed by USDA NRCS with the primary purpose of debris control. Completed in 2010, this earth dam stands at a height of 23 feet and spans 447 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 176 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential and a condition assessment of "Not Rated," the dam serves as a vital resource for managing sediment and debris in the tributary to South Turkey Creek.
Maintained by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the Meadow Lake Sediment Detention Dam plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding environment and water resources. With a normal storage capacity of 89 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 30 cubic feet per second, the dam helps regulate water flow and reduce the risk of flooding downstream. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's strategic location and design make it a key asset for maintaining water quality and ecosystem health in the region.
As an essential part of Iowa's water infrastructure, the Meadow Lake Sediment Detention Dam underscores the importance of sustainable water resource management. With its effective debris control measures and state-regulated enforcement, the dam exemplifies a proactive approach to mitigating the impacts of sedimentation and ensuring the long-term health of the watershed. Climate and water resource enthusiasts can appreciate the role of this structure in preserving the natural environment and enhancing resilience to climate change.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Meadow Lake Sediment Detention Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| South Raccoon River At Redfield | 750 cfs | → |
| Middle Raccoon River At Panora | 223 cfs | → |
| Raccoon River At Van Meter | 2,980 cfs | → |
| Middle Raccoon River Near Bayard | 267 cfs | → |
| East Nishnabotna River Near Atlantic | 239 cfs | → |
| Raccoon River Near West Des Moines | 1,320 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Meadow Lake Sediment Detention Dam.
Boat launches
- Lake Greenfield Recreation Area
- Anita
- Cass County
- State Highway 25 Creston
- Guthrie County
- 120th Street Madison County
Track Meadow Lake Sediment Detention Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Meadow Lake Sediment Detention Dam
Where does the data for Meadow Lake Sediment Detention Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Meadow Lake Sediment Detention Dam.