Hamilton Lake-South Dam
Key Takeaway
Hamilton Lake-South Dam is classified as high hazard in Indiana. It was completed in 1832 and is 194 years old. 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 | 21 ft (taller than 27.4% in IN) |
| Dam Length | 280 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 18.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 16.4K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 755 acres |
| Drainage Area | 17 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 472 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1832 (194 years old) |
| NID ID | IN00800 |
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
INDIANA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
State Government
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Low Hazard 27 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Hamilton Lake-South Dam?
Hamilton Lake-South 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 Hamilton Lake-South Dam?
Hamilton Lake-South Dam is owned by INDIANA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Hamilton Lake-South Dam built?
Hamilton Lake-South Dam was completed in 1832, making it 194 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.
How tall is Hamilton Lake-South Dam?
Hamilton Lake-South Dam has a dam height of 21 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 Hamilton Lake-South Dam last inspected?
Hamilton Lake-South Dam was last inspected on June 7, 2018. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.