Prairie Cr. No. B-3-1 (Montgomery) Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Prairie Creek No.


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Summary

B-3-1, also known as Montgomery Lake Dam, is a vital structure located in Montgomery, Indiana. Built in 1965 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 27 feet and stretches 590 feet in length. Its primary purpose is flood risk reduction, serving to protect the surrounding area from potential water damage. With a storage capacity of 321 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.44 square miles, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.

The dam's condition assessment in 2012 rated it as "fair," with a significant hazard potential. Despite this, it is regularly inspected every three years to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The dam's high risk assessment level (2) underscores the importance of ongoing risk management measures to mitigate any potential threats. With no spillway and no outlet gates, the dam relies on its design and construction to effectively manage water flow and reduce flood risks in the area.

Overall, Prairie Creek No. B-3-1 is a key infrastructure in the region, regulated by the IDNR and serving as a crucial element in flood risk reduction efforts. Its historical significance, combined with its ongoing maintenance and inspection, highlights the importance of water resource management and climate resilience in safeguarding communities against natural disasters. As a focal point for water enthusiasts and climate advocates, this dam stands as a testament to the critical role infrastructure plays in protecting our environment and communities.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

590

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

UNNAMED TRIBUTARY SOUTH FORK PRAIRIE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

24

Hydraulic Height

27

Drainage Area

0.44

Nid Storage

321

Structural Height

27

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

27
       
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.