Busseron Dam No. L-5 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 20, 2025

Busseron Dam No.


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Summary

L-5, also known as Conservation Lake, is a vital structure located in Sullivan, Indiana, owned by the local government. Built in 1963 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 38 feet and serves primarily for flood risk reduction along an unnamed tributary of Buck Creek. The dam boasts a normal storage capacity of 80 acres and a maximum storage of 720 acres, covering a surface area of 20 acres with a drainage area of 2.44 square miles.

With a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Busseron Dam No. L-5 is regulated by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections, the last of which took place in April 2019. Despite its age, the dam continues to effectively mitigate flood risks in the region, with a maximum discharge capacity of 5070 cubic feet per second. Situated in a picturesque setting, this dam not only serves a crucial purpose in flood control but also provides a recreational area for locals and visitors to enjoy the beauty of nature. As climate change intensifies, the importance of such structures in ensuring water resource management and climate resilience cannot be understated.

Year Completed

1963

Dam Length

870

Dam Height

38

River Or Stream

UNNAMED TRIBUTARY BUCK CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

20

Hydraulic Height

26

Drainage Area

2.44

Nid Storage

720

Structural Height

38

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

38
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.