Elk Creek Dam No. 8 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Elk Creek Dam No.
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Summary
8, also known as Hay Lake, is a local government-owned structure in Indiana, specifically located in Washington County near the city of Little York-Offstream. Built in 1962 by the USDA NRCS, this earth-type dam stands at 22 feet tall with a hydraulic height of 30 feet, serving primarily for flood risk reduction along the Coon Creek. With a storage capacity of 205 acre-feet and a surface area of 3.1 acres, Elk Creek Dam No. 8 plays a crucial role in managing the water resources in the region.
Despite its fair condition assessment as of 2014, Elk Creek Dam No. 8 has a significant hazard potential, necessitating regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and performance. The dam has a high risk assessment rating, indicating the importance of effective risk management measures to protect surrounding communities from potential inundation. While the dam lacks a spillway, it has a maximum discharge capacity of 3,737 cubic feet per second, highlighting the importance of its role in flood control and water resource management for the area.
With its historical significance dating back to the 1960s and its vital role in flood risk reduction, Elk Creek Dam No. 8 stands as a key infrastructure in Indiana's water resource management system. As climate change continues to impact water availability and extreme weather events, the proper maintenance and monitoring of this dam are crucial to its continued effectiveness in protecting the local community and environment from flooding risks.
Year Completed |
1962 |
Dam Length |
500 |
Dam Height |
22 |
River Or Stream |
COON CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3.1 |
Hydraulic Height |
30 |
Drainage Area |
0.86 |
Nid Storage |
205 |
Structural Height |
30 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
30 |
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. 8
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