Black Hawk Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Black Hawk Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in Iowa. It was completed in 1916 and is 110 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 12 ft (taller than 3.1% in IA) |
| Dam Length | 0 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 10.5K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 5.5K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 920 acres |
| Drainage Area | 23 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 0 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1916 (110 years old) |
| NID ID | IA03524 |
Safety Information
No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
Iowa Department of Natural Resources
State Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Black Hawk Lake Dam?
Black Hawk Lake Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Black Hawk Lake Dam?
Black Hawk Lake Dam is owned by Iowa Department of Natural Resources (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Black Hawk Lake Dam built?
Black Hawk Lake Dam was completed in 1916, making it 110 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.
What is the primary purpose of Black Hawk Lake Dam?
Black Hawk Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Other, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Black Hawk Lake Dam?
Black Hawk Lake Dam has a dam height of 12 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.
When was Black Hawk Lake Dam last inspected?
Black Hawk Lake Dam was last inspected on June 6, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.