Big Creek Terminal Dam, Iowa, USA

Home / USA / Iowa / Big Creek Terminal Dam

Quick Facts About Big Creek Terminal Dam

Location: Polk, Iowa
Coordinates: 41.781787, -93.7411833
River: Big Creek Diversion Channel River
Primary Purpose: Flood Risk Reduction
Type: Gravity Earth
Commissioned: 1972
Dam Height: 70 ft (21 m)
Dam Length: 480 ft (146 m)
Dam Capacity: 27,500 acre-ft (33,921 Ml)
Condition Assessment: Not Available

Big Creek Terminal Dam Map

Here is a map of Big Creek Terminal Dam with satellite imagery. You can zoom in and out, toggle full screen mode and even enter street view directly from the map.

Big Creek Terminal Dam Information

Big Creek Terminal Dam is a gravity earth dam located in None, Polk, Iowa.

The dam, which is on the Big Creek Diversion Channel River, was primarily built for Flood Risk Reduction purposes, but also serves for benefits.

The dam was designed by CEMVR and commissioned in 1972 and is currently owned by USACE – Rock Island District.

Big Creek Terminal Dam Structure

The Big Creek Terminal Dam is approximately 480 feet (146 m) long, 70 feet (21 m) high and has a structural volume of 1,050,000 cubic yards (802,783 cubic metres).

Big Creek Terminal Dam Storage Capacity & Surface Area

The reservoir has a normal storage capacity of 15,600 acre-ft (19,242 Ml) and maximum capacity of 27,500 acre-ft (33,921 Ml).

The surface area of the reservoir is 885 acres (358 ha) and the total catchment area is 76 square miles (197 square kilometres).

Big Creek Terminal Dam Spillway

The dam has a 100 feet (30 m) wide uncontrolled spillway with a maximum discharge capacity of 33000 cubic feet per second (934 cubic metres per second).

Big Creek Terminal Dam Compared to Four Famous American Dams

Big Creek Terminal Dam
Polk, Iowa
Hoover Dam
Clark County, Nevada
Grand Coulee Dam
Okanogan County, Washington
Theodore Roosevelt Dam
Maricopa County, Arizona
Glen Canyon Dam
Coconino County, Arizona
Height (ft) 70 730 550 357 216
Length (Ft) 480 1,244 5,673 6,920 1,565
Storage Volume (acre-ft) 27,500 30,237,000 9,562,000 3,540,000 29,875,000
Drainage Area (sq miles) 76 167,800 74,100 3,611 108,355

Big Creek Terminal Dam Weather

Current Conditions at Big Creek Terminal Dam

Failed to fetch current weather data.

7-Day Forecast for Big Creek Terminal Dam

Failed to fetch weather forecast data.

Big Creek Terminal Dam Frequently Asked Questions

In which state is the Big Creek Terminal Dam?

Big Creek Terminal Dam is in Iowa.

In which county is the Big Creek Terminal Dam?

Big Creek Terminal Dam is in Polk County.

How high is the Big Creek Terminal Dam?

Big Creek Terminal Dam is 70 feet high.

How long is the Big Creek Terminal Dam?

Big Creek Terminal Dam is 480 feet long.

Condition Assessment Classification

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.

Source: National Inventory of Dams

Generated by MPG