Sugar Mill Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 19, 2025

Sugar Mill Lake Dam, located in Wallace, Indiana, is a private dam designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1967 for the primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

The dam, with a height of 31 feet and a hydraulic height of 34 feet, impounds the water of an unnamed tributary of Sugar Mill Creek, creating a reservoir with a maximum storage capacity of 627 acre-feet and a normal storage of 209 acre-feet. The dam, constructed with an earth core and buttress foundation, spans a length of 610 feet and covers a surface area of 32 acres within a drainage area of 2.47 square miles.

Despite its recreational value, Sugar Mill Lake Dam poses a significant hazard potential with a poor condition assessment as of March 2014. The dam's last inspection was conducted in April 2018, with an inspection frequency of 3 years. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway type with valve outlet gates. The risk assessment for the dam is moderate, indicating a need for ongoing risk management measures to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure.

In the event of an emergency, the dam's Emergency Action Plan (EAP) status and preparation for inundation maps remain unclear, raising concerns about the readiness of emergency response measures. With its location in a picturesque setting and its importance for local recreation, the preservation and maintenance of Sugar Mill Lake Dam are crucial to safeguarding both the environment and the community that relies on its resources.

Year Completed

1967

Dam Length

610

Dam Height

31

River Or Stream

UNNAMED TRIBUTARY SUGAR MILL CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

32

Hydraulic Height

34

Drainage Area

2.47

Nid Storage

627

Structural Height

31

Outlet Gates

Valve

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

34
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.