Bear Creek Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Bear Creek Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Indiana. It was completed in 1939 and is 87 years old. Its primary use is recreation. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 31 ft (taller than 66.4% in IN) |
| Dam Length | 331 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 116 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 58 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 6 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 997 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1939 (87 years old) |
| NID ID | IN00273 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
State Government
Nearby Dams
Gallahue Valley Camp Dam
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Significant Hazard 48 ftWaycross Episcopal Camp Lake Dam
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Low Hazard 18 ftWalnut Ridge Retreat Dam
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Low Hazard 31 ftFortner Lake Dam
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Low Hazard 33 ftLutheran Hills Camp Lake Dams
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High Hazard 27 ftHungry Acres Lake Dam
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Low Hazard 25 ftStockton Lake Dam
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Low Hazard 33 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Bear Creek Lake Dam?
Bear Creek Lake Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Bear Creek Lake Dam?
Bear Creek Lake Dam is owned by DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Bear Creek Lake Dam built?
Bear Creek Lake Dam was completed in 1939, making it 87 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.
What is the primary purpose of Bear Creek Lake Dam?
Bear Creek Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Bear Creek Lake Dam?
Bear Creek Lake Dam has a dam height of 31 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.
When was Bear Creek Lake Dam last inspected?
Bear Creek Lake Dam was last inspected on July 25, 2017. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.