Upper Big Blue River Structure No. 7-A
Key Takeaway
Upper Big Blue River Structure No. 7-A is classified as high hazard in Indiana. It was completed in 1976 and is 50 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. 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 | 62 ft (taller than 97.5% in IN) |
| Dam Length | 840 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 5.1K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 248 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 40 acres |
| Drainage Area | 17 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 27,200 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1976 (50 years old) |
| NID ID | IN00515 |
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
BIG BLUE RIVER CONSERVANCY DISTRICT
Local Government
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Low Hazard 22 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Upper Big Blue River Structure No. 7-A?
Upper Big Blue River Structure No. 7-A 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 Upper Big Blue River Structure No. 7-A?
Upper Big Blue River Structure No. 7-A is owned by BIG BLUE RIVER CONSERVANCY DISTRICT (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Upper Big Blue River Structure No. 7-A built?
Upper Big Blue River Structure No. 7-A was completed in 1976, making it 50 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 Upper Big Blue River Structure No. 7-A?
Upper Big Blue River Structure No. 7-A serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Upper Big Blue River Structure No. 7-A?
Upper Big Blue River Structure No. 7-A has a dam height of 62 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 Upper Big Blue River Structure No. 7-A last inspected?
Upper Big Blue River Structure No. 7-A was last inspected on October 13, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.