Elk Creek Dam No. 7 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 29, 2025

Elk Creek Dam No.


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Summary

7, also known as Betalino-Green Lake, is a critical flood risk reduction structure located in Washington, Indiana. Built in 1959 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 34 feet and stretches 945 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 260 acre-feet. Situated on an unnamed tributary of Elk Creek, this dam plays a vital role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events, with a maximum discharge capacity of 1384 cubic feet per second.

Despite its significance in flood risk management, Elk Creek Dam No. 7 is currently assessed to be in poor condition, with a significant hazard potential. The dam's last inspection in 2018 revealed the need for maintenance and repairs to ensure its continued effectiveness in safeguarding the community. With a moderate risk assessment rating, there is a pressing need for risk management measures to be implemented to mitigate potential hazards and safeguard the dam's structural integrity.

As a locally owned and regulated structure, Elk Creek Dam No. 7 falls under the jurisdiction of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. With a primary purpose of flood risk reduction, this dam serves as a crucial infrastructure asset in the region. Moving forward, efforts must be made to address the dam's poor condition and ensure its long-term resilience in the face of changing climate patterns and increasing water resource pressures.

Year Completed

1959

Dam Length

945

Dam Height

34

River Or Stream

UNNAMED TRIBUTARY ELK CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

13

Hydraulic Height

34

Drainage Area

0.87

Nid Storage

260

Structural Height

34

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

34
       
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.