Busseron Dam No. D-4 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 20, 2025
Busseron Dam No.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
D-4, also known as Powell Pond Dam, is a crucial structure located in Sullivan, Indiana, along an unnamed tributary of Big Branch. Built in 1965 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 32 feet and stretches 612 feet in length, providing flood risk reduction for the local area. With a storage capacity of 816 acre-feet and a drainage area of 1.95 square miles, the dam plays a significant role in managing water resources in Greene County.
Despite being classified as having a "fair" condition assessment as of March 2012, Busseron Dam No. D-4 is considered to have a "significant" hazard potential, with a high risk assessment level. While no spillway is present, the dam's structure includes stone core types and is supported by rock and soil foundations. The dam is regulated by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, with regular inspections and enforcement measures in place to ensure its continued safety and functionality for flood risk reduction purposes.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate the strategic location and design of Busseron Dam No. D-4, which not only serves as a flood risk reduction measure but also highlights the importance of maintaining and regulating dams to mitigate potential hazards. As part of the broader water management system in Indiana, this dam stands as a testament to the ongoing efforts to balance the needs of water infrastructure with environmental conservation and community safety.
Year Completed |
1965 |
Dam Length |
612 |
Dam Height |
32 |
River Or Stream |
UNNAMED TRIBUTARY BIG BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
14 |
Hydraulic Height |
32 |
Drainage Area |
1.95 |
Nid Storage |
816 |
Structural Height |
32 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
32 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Busseron Creek Near Carlisle
|
452cfs |
White River At Newberry
|
2530cfs |
Wabash River At Riverton Ind
|
1870cfs |
Eel River At Bowling Green
|
145cfs |
Wabash River At Terre Haute
|
1770cfs |
Mill Creek Near Cataract
|
158cfs |
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 |
|---|---|---|
Sunset City Park
|
||
Res 26 - Greene - Sullivan State Forest
|
||
Sullivan County Park
|
||
Greene - Sullivan State Forest
|
Busseron Dam No. D-4
625 North Greene County