Van Bibber Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Little Walnut Creek Conservancy District Structure #4 Little Walnut Creek Conservancy District - Structure 5
Last Updated: December 16, 2025
Van Bibber Dam, located in Clinton Falls-Offstream, Indiana, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS and regulated by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.
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Summary
The dam, completed in 1964, serves primarily for recreational purposes on Little Walnut Creek. Standing at a height of 30 feet with a hydraulic height of 33 feet, the earth dam spans 444 feet and has a storage capacity of 124 acre-feet.
Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is rated as poor, with the last inspection conducted in July 2019. The risk assessment for Van Bibber Dam is moderate, indicating a level 3 risk. While it currently lacks certain emergency preparedness measures, such as an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and inundation maps, the dam's risk management measures and overall safety remain under review. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate change may find Van Bibber Dam to be an intriguing case study in balancing recreational benefits with the need for ongoing maintenance and safety improvements.
Year Completed |
1964 |
Dam Length |
444 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
LITTLE WALNUT CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
10.5 |
Hydraulic Height |
33 |
Drainage Area |
0.27 |
Nid Storage |
124 |
Structural Height |
33 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
33 |
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.
Van Bibber Dam