Terre Haute Boys Club Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 19, 2025

Located in Montezuma, Indiana, the Terre Haute Boys Club Dam is a private-owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1969.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 36 feet, with a hydraulic height of 34 feet and a structural height of 36 feet. With a length of 360 feet, it serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a surface area of 6.8 acres and a drainage area of 1.13 square miles. The dam has a low hazard potential and a poor condition assessment as of February 2013.

Managed by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), the Terre Haute Boys Club Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state agency. It is situated on the Welchel Branch river/stream and falls under the jurisdiction of Parke County in Indiana. Despite its moderate risk assessment rating, the dam has not undergone any modifications or risk management measures as of the data updated on May 24, 2021. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway type with a width of 60 feet and has no outlet gates.

Given its historical significance and recreational value, the Terre Haute Boys Club Dam presents an interesting case study for water resource and climate enthusiasts. The dam's location, design, and relationship with the surrounding environment provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with managing and maintaining such infrastructure in the face of changing climate conditions and regulatory standards. As stakeholders continue to monitor and assess the dam's condition and performance, the need for sustainable practices and risk mitigation strategies becomes increasingly important to ensure the safety and longevity of this essential water resource structure.

Year Completed

1969

Dam Length

360

Dam Height

36

River Or Stream

WELCHEL BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6.8

Hydraulic Height

34

Drainage Area

1.13

Nid Storage

249

Structural Height

36

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

36
       
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.