Kip’s Comments - April 7, 2026

The Power of Water

High Water at Alcock Park - Image 1084359

As happens many times most years, the Wapsipinicon River in Bremer County rose above its banks several days ago. Normal river levels have not yet returned. As far as I know, the elevated waters have not caused too much trouble, but do make a mess.

High Water at Alcock Park - Image 1084384

Last year a chunk of log was caught in the recirculating high water below the dam. Thousands of times the log was tossed violently into the surface of the dam - each impact removing pieces of the log. Eventually what remained of the log was a large bullet or torpedo-shaped block of wood.

Bullet Log on Stump - Image 1084345

Somehow the interesting piece of wood was placed on this stump after a dead tree was removed.

Bullet Log on Stump - Image 1084335

The power of water is very impressive!