Viking Road Detention Dam, located in Cedar Falls, Iowa, along Dry Creek, serves as a crucial flood risk reduction structure in the region.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1994, this earth dam stands at a height of 22 feet and stretches 1000 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 1000 acre-feet. Managed by the local government and regulated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the dam's primary purpose is to mitigate flooding risks in the area, safeguarding communities and infrastructure from potential water-related disasters.
Despite being classified with a high hazard potential, Viking Road Detention Dam is deemed to be in satisfactory condition, as per its latest inspection in June 2019. This essential infrastructure plays a vital role in managing stormwater and protecting downstream areas during heavy rainfall events. The dam's uncontrolled spillway, with a width of 20 feet, further enhances its flood management capabilities, ensuring that excess water can be safely discharged without causing harm to surrounding areas.
With its strategic location and efficient design, Viking Road Detention Dam stands as a testament to effective water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region. As climate change continues to impact weather patterns and increase the frequency of extreme weather events, structures like this play a crucial role in safeguarding communities and enhancing overall water security in the face of evolving environmental challenges.
Year Completed |
1994 |
Dam Length |
1000 |
Dam Height |
22 |
River Or Stream |
DRY CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Drainage Area |
6 |
Nid Storage |
1000 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
22 |
Cedar River At Cedar Falls
|
1880cfs |
Black Hawk Creek At Hudson
|
103cfs |
Cedar River At Waterloo
|
2090cfs |
Beaver Creek At New Hartford
|
123cfs |
West Fork Cedar River At Finchford
|
502cfs |
Cedar River At Janesville
|
711cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
George Wyth State Park
|
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Big Woods Lake
|
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Black Hawk County Park
|
||
Deerwood City Park
|
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Roadman Roadside Park
|
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Thunder Woman Park
|