Painted Hills Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: January 12, 2026

Painted Hills Lake Dam in Indiana is a privately owned earth dam that was completed in 1970 for recreational purposes.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 62 feet and has a length of 850 feet, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 3,555 acre-feet. The dam is located on Camp Creek in Morgan County, Indiana, and serves as a popular spot for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and picnicking.

Despite being categorized with a high hazard potential, the dam is currently assessed to be in fair condition. It is regularly inspected by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, with the last inspection taking place in July 2022. The dam has an uncontrolled spillway and no outlet gates, posing a moderate risk in case of emergencies. With a drainage area of 1.82 square miles and a maximum discharge rate of 2,088 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.

Painted Hills Lake Dam is situated in a picturesque location in Indiana, offering both recreational opportunities and essential water resource management functions. As climate enthusiasts and water resource advocates, it is important to monitor the condition of such infrastructure to ensure the safety of communities and the sustainability of the surrounding environment. The dam's role in flood control and water storage underscores its significance in the region's water management efforts, making it a valuable asset for both residents and wildlife alike.

Year Completed

1970

Dam Length

850

Dam Height

62

River Or Stream

CAMP CREEK

Surface Area

110

Hydraulic Height

62

Drainage Area

1.82

Nid Storage

3555

Structural Height

62

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

62
       
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.