South Bend

St Joseph River· St. Joseph, Indiana· Built 1850· Timber Crib· 12 ft tall
Low Hazard Hydroelectric Local Government

Key Takeaway

South Bend is classified as low hazard in Indiana. It was completed in 1850 and is 176 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric.

Physical Details

Dam Height 12 ft (taller than 4.9% in IN)
Dam Length435 ft
Dam TypeTimber Crib
Max Storage800 acre-ft
Normal Storage800 acre-ft
Surface Area150 acres
Drainage Area3,572 sq mi
Max Discharge30,000 cfs
Year Completed1850 (176 years old)
NID IDIN00807

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

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

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: September 23, 2019
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: IDNR

Ownership

South Bend, City of

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of South Bend?

South Bend is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates South Bend?

South Bend is owned by South Bend, City of (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was South Bend built?

South Bend was completed in 1850, making it 176 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 South Bend?

South Bend serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is South Bend?

South Bend has a dam height of 12 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 South Bend last inspected?

South Bend was last inspected on September 23, 2019. 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.