Elk Creek Dam No. 3 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 29, 2025
Elk Creek Dam No.
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Summary
3, also known as Garriott Lake, is a local government-owned earth dam located in Washington County, Indiana. Built in 1960 by the USDA NRCS, this dam plays a crucial role in flood risk reduction along the unnamed tributary of Elk Creek. With a height of 33.5 feet and a storage capacity of 198 acre-feet, Elk Creek Dam No. 3 serves as a vital infrastructure for managing water resources in the area.
Despite its importance, Elk Creek Dam No. 3 is currently rated as having a significant hazard potential and poor condition. The last inspection in 2019 revealed the need for improvements to ensure the dam's structural integrity and safety. The dam lacks a spillway and outlet gates, further underscoring the need for upgrades to meet modern safety standards and mitigate potential risks.
Given its high risk assessment and poor condition, Elk Creek Dam No. 3 requires urgent attention and investment in rehabilitation measures. With its critical role in flood risk reduction and water resource management, ensuring the safety and functionality of this dam is essential for protecting the surrounding community and environment from potential disasters.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
780 |
Dam Height |
33.5 |
River Or Stream |
UNNAMED TRIBUTARY ELK CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
12 |
Hydraulic Height |
32 |
Drainage Area |
0.48 |
Nid Storage |
198 |
Structural Height |
32 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
34 |
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.
Elk Creek Dam No. 3