Lake Barbara Dam

UNNAMED TRIBUTARY SOUTH BRANCH ELKHART RIVER· Noble, Indiana· Built 1979· Earth· 15 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Lake Barbara Dam is classified as significant hazard in Indiana. It was completed in 1979 and is 47 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 15 ft (taller than 8.5% in IN)
Dam Length225 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage886 acre-ft
Normal Storage613 acre-ft
Surface Area84 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge2,196 cfs
Year Completed1979 (47 years old)
NID IDIN00787

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: July 21, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: IDNR

Ownership

Ron Harke

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lake Barbara Dam?

Lake Barbara Dam 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 Lake Barbara Dam?

Lake Barbara Dam is owned by Ron Harke (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Lake Barbara Dam built?

Lake Barbara Dam was completed in 1979, making it 47 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 Lake Barbara Dam?

Lake Barbara 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 Lake Barbara Dam?

Lake Barbara Dam has a dam height of 15 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 Lake Barbara Dam last inspected?

Lake Barbara Dam was last inspected on July 21, 2020. 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.