Gates Park Control Structure

VIRDEN CREEK· Black Hawk, Iowa· Built 1979· Earth· 16 ft tall
Significant Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Local Government

Key Takeaway

Gates Park Control Structure is classified as significant hazard in Iowa. It was completed in 1979 and is 47 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 16 ft (taller than 4.7% in IA)
Dam Length970 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage195 acre-ft
Normal Storage0 acre-ft
Surface Area0 acres
Drainage Area13 sq mi
Max Discharge0 cfs
Year Completed1979 (47 years old)
NID IDIA01971

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: July 21, 2009
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: IOWA DNR

Ownership

City of Waterloo

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Gates Park Control Structure?

Gates Park Control Structure 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 Gates Park Control Structure?

Gates Park Control Structure is owned by City of Waterloo (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Gates Park Control Structure built?

Gates Park Control Structure was completed in 1979, making it 47 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 Gates Park Control Structure?

Gates Park Control Structure serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Gates Park Control Structure?

Gates Park Control Structure has a dam height of 16 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 Gates Park Control Structure last inspected?

Gates Park Control Structure was last inspected on July 21, 2009. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.