Gates Park Control Structure
Gates Park Control Structure is an earth dam located in Black Hawk County, Iowa, built in 1979. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Gates Park Control Structure
The primary purpose of Gates Park Control Structure is flood risk reduction. The dam is designed to control downstream flooding by temporarily storing excess water during storms and releasing it at a controlled rate. The dam is owned by City Of Waterloo (local government). It impounds the Virden Creek near Waterloo.
The dam stands 16 feet tall and stretches 970 feet across, has a maximum storage capacity of 195 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 13 square miles. Completed in 1979, the structure is 47 years old.
This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. The most recent inspection on record was 08/22/2024.
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Location
| State | Iowa |
| County | Black Hawk |
| Nearest City | Waterloo |
| River/Stream | Virden Creek |
| Coordinates | 42.51910, -92.33130 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 16 ft |
| Dam Height | 16 ft |
| Dam Length | 970 ft |
| Year Completed | 1979 (47 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 195 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 195 acre-ft |
| Drainage Area | 13 sq mi |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Flood Risk Reduction |
| Owner | City of Waterloo |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 08/22/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Not Required |
Identifiers
| NID ID | IA01971 |
| Federal ID | IA01971 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |