Southern Hills Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Southern Hills Lake Dam, also known as Money Hollow Dam, is a private earth dam located in Clark County, Indiana.


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Summary

Constructed in 1971, this recreational dam stands at a height of 51 feet and has a length of 660 feet. It impounds an unnamed tributary of the Muddy Fork river, creating a surface area of 51 acres and a maximum storage capacity of 584 acre-feet.

Despite its primary purpose for recreation, Southern Hills Lake Dam has been classified as having a high hazard potential and a poor condition assessment. The last inspection in August 2019 revealed the dam's structural deficiencies, prompting concerns for its safety and the surrounding community. While it is state-regulated by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections, the dam's risk assessment remains moderate, emphasizing the need for continued monitoring and potential risk management measures.

With its captivating location and historical significance, Southern Hills Lake Dam serves as a vital water resource for the region. However, its deteriorating condition and high hazard potential highlight the importance of prioritizing maintenance and safety measures to ensure the long-term sustainability and resilience of this essential infrastructure in the face of changing climate patterns and water resource management challenges.

Year Completed

1971

Dam Length

660

Dam Height

51

River Or Stream

UNNAMED TRIBUTARY MUDDY FORK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

51

Hydraulic Height

51

Drainage Area

1

Nid Storage

584

Structural Height

51

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

51
       
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.