Bittersweet Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Bittersweet Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Indiana. It was completed in 1964 and is 62 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 | 33 ft (taller than 72.9% in IN) |
| Dam Length | 225 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 66 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 46 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 4 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 445 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1964 (62 years old) |
| NID ID | IN00588 |
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
Bittersweet Lake Association Incorporated
Private
Nearby Dams
Yarling Lake Dam
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High Hazard 29 ftGreen Lake Dam
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Significant Hazard 49 ftSeiger Lake Dam
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Low Hazard 35 ftDeerskin Lake Dam
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Significant Hazard 45 ftRoger Young Lake Dam
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Significant Hazard 31 ftCrainsboro Lake Dam
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Low Hazard 31 ftLamb Lake Estates Dam
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High Hazard 82 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Bittersweet Lake Dam?
Bittersweet 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 Bittersweet Lake Dam?
Bittersweet Lake Dam is owned by Bittersweet Lake Association Incorporated (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Bittersweet Lake Dam built?
Bittersweet Lake Dam was completed in 1964, making it 62 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 Bittersweet Lake Dam?
Bittersweet 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 Bittersweet Lake Dam?
Bittersweet Lake Dam has a dam height of 33 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 Bittersweet Lake Dam last inspected?
Bittersweet Lake Dam was last inspected on August 4, 2007. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.