Black Hawk Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 12, 2025

Black Hawk Lake Dam, located in Lake View, Iowa, was completed in 1916 and serves as a critical infrastructure for flood risk reduction along the Wall Lake Outlet.


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Summary

The dam is classified as an earth dam, standing at a height of 12 feet and with a storage capacity of 10,500 acre-feet. With a surface area of 920 acres and a drainage area of 23.4 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow and reducing flood risks in the region.

Managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Black Hawk Lake Dam is regulated and inspected regularly to ensure its structural integrity and functionality. The dam has a significant hazard potential, but its condition assessment in 2019 deemed it satisfactory. Despite the moderate risk level associated with the dam, it continues to meet guidelines for emergency action preparedness and risk management measures.

With its primary purpose being flood risk reduction, Black Hawk Lake Dam not only safeguards the local community from potential flooding but also provides recreational opportunities for visitors. The dam's uncontrolled spillway, with a width of 38 feet, contributes to its efficient water management system. Overall, Black Hawk Lake Dam stands as a vital component in the water resource and climate management efforts in the region.

Year Completed

1916

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

Wall Lake Outlet

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

920

Drainage Area

23.4

Nid Storage

10500

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

12
       
Seasonal Comparison

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Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.