Yellowwood Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Yellowwood Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Indiana. It was completed in 1939 and is 87 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 | 41 ft (taller than 87.2% in IN) |
| Dam Length | 800 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 3.7K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.8K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 138 acres |
| Drainage Area | 7 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 17,494 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1939 (87 years old) |
| NID ID | IN00270 |
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
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
State Government
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High Hazard 32 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Yellowwood Lake Dam?
Yellowwood 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 Yellowwood Lake Dam?
Yellowwood Lake Dam is owned by DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Yellowwood Lake Dam built?
Yellowwood Lake Dam was completed in 1939, making it 87 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 Yellowwood Lake Dam?
Yellowwood 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 Yellowwood Lake Dam?
Yellowwood Lake Dam has a dam height of 41 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 Yellowwood Lake Dam last inspected?
Yellowwood Lake Dam was last inspected on June 28, 2018. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.