Geist Reservoir Dam
Key Takeaway
Geist Reservoir Dam is classified as high hazard in Indiana. It was completed in 1944 and is 82 years old. Its primary use is water supply. 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 | 44 ft (taller than 90.1% in IN) |
| Dam Length | 1,400 ft |
| Max Storage | 60.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 21.2K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,688 acres |
| Drainage Area | 215 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 99,890 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1944 (82 years old) |
| NID ID | IN00356 |
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
Public Utility
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High Hazard 24 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Geist Reservoir Dam?
Geist Reservoir 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 Geist Reservoir Dam?
Geist Reservoir Dam is owned by information not available (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Geist Reservoir Dam built?
Geist Reservoir Dam was completed in 1944, making it 82 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 Geist Reservoir Dam?
Geist Reservoir Dam serves the following purposes: Water Supply, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Geist Reservoir Dam?
Geist Reservoir Dam has a dam height of 44 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 Geist Reservoir Dam last inspected?
Geist Reservoir Dam was last inspected on August 26, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.