Tousley Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Tousley Dam, located in Brown County, Indiana, was completed in 1953 by designer H.


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Summary

D. Tousley for the primary purpose of water supply. This earth dam, standing at 43 feet tall and stretching 500 feet in length, holds a maximum storage capacity of 637 acre-feet and serves the East Fork Salt Creek. Despite its significant storage capacity, the dam has a poor condition assessment and a high hazard potential, making it a cause for concern among water resource and climate enthusiasts.

The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, with a spillway width of 188 feet, and it is regulated by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. Tousley Dam also offers recreational opportunities in addition to its water supply function, covering a surface area of 30 acres. However, with a moderate risk assessment rating and a history of poor condition, the dam requires regular inspections and potential risk management measures to ensure the safety of the surrounding community and the integrity of the structure. The dam's location and design make it a crucial element in the region's water management and climate resilience efforts.

Year Completed

1953

Dam Length

500

Dam Height

43

River Or Stream

EAST FORK SALT CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

30

Hydraulic Height

34

Drainage Area

3.44

Nid Storage

637

Structural Height

43

Outlet Gates

Valve

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

43
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.