Prairie Creek Reservoir Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 21, 2025
Prairie Creek Reservoir Dam, located in Delaware, Indiana, was completed in 1959 and serves as a vital water resource for the area.
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Summary
Managed by a public utility, this earth dam stands at a height of 47 feet, with a structural height of 61 feet and a length of 3100 feet. The reservoir has a normal storage capacity of 22,000 acre-feet and a maximum storage capacity of 36,670 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 1275 acres.
The dam on Prairie Creek, designed by Burgess and Niple, is regulated by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and functionality. With a spillway width of 300 feet and a maximum discharge of 14,597 cubic feet per second, the dam has a high hazard potential but is currently assessed to be in fair condition. In the event of an emergency, the dam operators have an emergency action plan in place to mitigate risks and protect the surrounding community.
Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will appreciate the significance of Prairie Creek Reservoir Dam in providing water supply and flood control to the region. With its moderate risk assessment and ongoing maintenance efforts, this dam stands as a crucial infrastructure for managing water resources and protecting the local ecosystem. Its location on Prairie Creek adds to its ecological importance, making it a key feature in the landscape of Indiana.
Year Completed |
1959 |
Dam Length |
3100 |
Dam Height |
47 |
River Or Stream |
PRAIRIE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
1275 |
Hydraulic Height |
47 |
Drainage Area |
16.8 |
Nid Storage |
36670 |
Structural Height |
61 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
61 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Prairie Creek Reservoir Dam