Tanglewood Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 25, 2025
Tanglewood Lake Dam, also known as Van Voorhies Dam, is a privately owned structure located in North Vernon, Indiana.
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Summary
Built in 1969 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 28 feet and stretches 345 feet in length, serving primarily for recreational purposes. Situated on an unnamed tributary of the Indian Creek, the dam has a storage capacity of 60 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 4.6 acres.
Despite its low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, the dam is under the regulatory jurisdiction of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, with regular inspections and enforcement measures in place to ensure its safety and integrity. The dam does not feature a spillway, outlet gates, or locks, and has a maximum discharge of 298 cubic feet per second. While it has not been modified in recent years, the dam's risk assessment indicates a high level of risk, warranting ongoing monitoring and potential risk management measures.
Overall, Tanglewood Lake Dam represents a key water resource in the Jennings County area, providing both recreational opportunities and important water storage capacity. With its historical significance and continued regulatory oversight, the dam serves as a reminder of the critical role that infrastructure plays in managing water resources and mitigating climate-related risks in the region.
Year Completed |
1969 |
Dam Length |
345 |
Dam Height |
28 |
River Or Stream |
UNNAMED TRIBUTARY INDIAN CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4.6 |
Hydraulic Height |
28 |
Drainage Area |
0.06 |
Nid Storage |
60 |
Structural Height |
28 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
28 |
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.
Tanglewood Lake Dam