Bamboo Ridge Lake, located in Waterloo, Iowa, is a privately owned reservoir with a primary purpose of recreation.
Wind
Humidity
Constructed in 2012 by HR Green, this earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet, with a length of 1030 feet and a maximum storage capacity of 285 acre-feet. The lake covers a surface area of 15.3 acres and is fed by a tributary to Sink Creek, providing a tranquil setting for water resource and climate enthusiasts to enjoy various outdoor activities.
Managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Bamboo Ridge Lake is regulated, inspected, and enforced to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations. With a hazard potential classified as high, the dam's condition assessment as of July 2020 is reported as satisfactory. Despite not having an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place, the reservoir has undergone regular inspections, with the last one conducted in July 2020. This picturesque lake offers a serene retreat for visitors while also serving as a vital water resource in the region.
As a popular recreational spot in Black Hawk County, Bamboo Ridge Lake boasts a normal storage capacity of 94 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.62 square miles. The uncontrolled outlet gates and spillway width of 80 feet contribute to efficient water management, with a maximum discharge capacity of 3450 cubic feet per second. The dam's role in flood control and water supply makes it an essential infrastructure for the surrounding community, highlighting the intersection of water resources, climate resilience, and outdoor recreation at this idyllic location.
Year Completed |
2012 |
Dam Length |
1030 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
Trib to Sink Creek |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
15.3 |
Drainage Area |
0.62 |
Nid Storage |
285 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
20 |
Cedar River At Waterloo
|
2090cfs |
Black Hawk Creek At Hudson
|
103cfs |
Cedar River At Cedar Falls
|
1880cfs |
Wolf Creek Near Dysart
|
35cfs |
Cedar River At Janesville
|
711cfs |
West Fork Cedar River At Finchford
|
502cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Deerwood City Park
|
||
George Wyth State Park
|
||
Big Woods Lake
|
||
Black Hawk County Park
|
||
Hickory Hills Park - La Porte City
|