Busseron Dam No. L-1
Key Takeaway
Busseron Dam No. L-1 is classified as high hazard in Indiana. It was completed in 1961 and is 65 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. 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 | 32 ft (taller than 70.1% in IN) |
| Dam Length | 778 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 990 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 86 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 26 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 4,258 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1961 (65 years old) |
| NID ID | IN00063 |
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
BUSSERON CONSERVANCY DISTRICT
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Busseron Dam No. L-5
Sullivan, IN
Low Hazard 38 ftJonay Pond Dam
Sullivan, IN
Low Hazard 11 ftLake Sullivan Dam Busseron No. K-1
Sullivan, IN
Significant Hazard 40 ftGlendora Dam
Sullivan, IN
Low Hazard 17 ftTurtle Creek Lake Dam
Sullivan, IN
Low Hazard 22 ftBusseron Dam No. J-1
Sullivan, IN
Significant Hazard 29 ftBusseron Dam No. B-2
Sullivan, IN
Low Hazard 21 ftBusseron Dam No. I-2
Sullivan, IN
Low Hazard 30 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Busseron Dam No. L-1?
Busseron Dam No. L-1 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 Busseron Dam No. L-1?
Busseron Dam No. L-1 is owned by BUSSERON CONSERVANCY DISTRICT (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Busseron Dam No. L-1 built?
Busseron Dam No. L-1 was completed in 1961, making it 65 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 Busseron Dam No. L-1?
Busseron Dam No. L-1 serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Busseron Dam No. L-1?
Busseron Dam No. L-1 has a dam height of 32 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 Busseron Dam No. L-1 last inspected?
Busseron Dam No. L-1 was last inspected on April 23, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.