River/Stream: Des Moines River
Location: just below confluence of Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers in Des Moines, Polk County
Owner: City of Des Moines
Height (ft.): 5
Hazards: drowning, urban, portage, varying, visibility
Warning Signs: dam warning signs on every arch - both Scott Ave. and River Street pedestrian bridges. Also, every arch of the River Street pedestrian bridge has rescue lines down to the river attached to orange buoys. Additional signs warn bridge pedestrians of dam danger.
Comments: the dam is not visible in aerial photographs because it is obscured by the bridge.
Portage Options: Dangerous pedestrian walk with "drain" on river left, inundated during high water
Documented Fatalitites: 2
Close Calls:
