Elk Creek Dam No. 1

UNNAMED TRIBUTARY ELK CREEK· Washington, Indiana· Built 1960· Earth· 31 ft tall
Significant Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Local Government

Key Takeaway

Elk Creek Dam No. 1 is classified as significant hazard in Indiana. It was completed in 1960 and is 66 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 31 ft (taller than 66.4% in IN)
Dam Length600 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage213 acre-ft
Normal Storage7 acre-ft
Surface Area3 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge3,280 cfs
Year Completed1960 (66 years old)
NID IDIN00052

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: January 31, 2017
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: IDNR

Ownership

ELK CREEK CONSERVANCY DISTRICT

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Elk Creek Dam No. 1?

Elk Creek Dam No. 1 is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Elk Creek Dam No. 1?

Elk Creek Dam No. 1 is owned by ELK CREEK CONSERVANCY DISTRICT (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Elk Creek Dam No. 1 built?

Elk Creek Dam No. 1 was completed in 1960, making it 66 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 Elk Creek Dam No. 1?

Elk Creek Dam No. 1 serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Elk Creek Dam No. 1?

Elk Creek Dam No. 1 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 Elk Creek Dam No. 1 last inspected?

Elk Creek Dam No. 1 was last inspected on January 31, 2017. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.