Elk Creek Dam No. 1 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 29, 2025
Elk Creek Dam No.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
1, also known as Apple Dam, is a vital structure located in Pumpkin Center, Indiana, designed by the USDA NRCS for flood risk reduction along the unnamed tributary of Elk Creek. Completed in 1960, this earth dam stands at a height of 31 feet and spans 600 feet, offering a storage capacity of 213 acre-feet to manage a drainage area of 1.05 square miles. Despite its significant hazard potential and fair condition assessment as of 2014, Elk Creek Dam No. 1 continues to play a crucial role in protecting the surrounding areas from potential flooding events.
Managed by the local government and regulated by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, this dam has been inspected regularly with the last assessment conducted in January 2017. While it lacks a spillway, Elk Creek Dam No. 1 boasts a maximum discharge capacity of 3,280 cubic feet per second to handle excess water flow. With a risk assessment rating of high (2), this structure remains a key component in the region's flood risk management strategy, ensuring the safety and well-being of residents and infrastructure in Washington County, Indiana.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Elk Creek Dam No. 1 serves as a fascinating example of how engineering interventions like earth dams can mitigate flood risks and protect communities from potential disasters. As part of the larger network of flood control measures in the area, this dam stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts between federal agencies like the Natural Resources Conservation Service and local governments to safeguard water resources and enhance resilience against the impacts of climate change.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
600 |
Dam Height |
31 |
River Or Stream |
UNNAMED TRIBUTARY ELK CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3.3 |
Hydraulic Height |
29 |
Drainage Area |
1.05 |
Nid Storage |
213 |
Structural Height |
31 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
31 |
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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Delaney Creek Park
|
||
Clark State Forest
|
||
Starve Hollow State Rec Area
|
Elk Creek Dam No. 1
North Elk Creek Road 3477-3501, Scottsburg