Sweetwater Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Sweetwater Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Indiana. It was completed in 1965 and is 61 years old. Its primary use is recreation. 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 | 140 ft (taller than 99.9% in IN) |
| Dam Length | 1,560 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 11.7K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 9.5K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 275 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 5,646 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1965 (61 years old) |
| NID ID | IN00025 |
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
CORDRY SWEETWATER CONSERVANCY DISTRICT
Local Government
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Low Hazard 31 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Sweetwater Lake Dam?
Sweetwater Lake 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 Sweetwater Lake Dam?
Sweetwater Lake Dam is owned by CORDRY SWEETWATER CONSERVANCY DISTRICT (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Sweetwater Lake Dam built?
Sweetwater Lake Dam was completed in 1965, making it 61 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 Sweetwater Lake Dam?
Sweetwater Lake 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 Sweetwater Lake Dam?
Sweetwater Lake Dam has a dam height of 140 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 Sweetwater Lake Dam last inspected?
Sweetwater Lake Dam was last inspected on July 10, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.