Borden Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Borden Lake Dam, also known as Packwood Lake Dam, is a crucial structure located in Clark County, Indiana, specifically in the city of New Providence (Borden).


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Built in 1971 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Packwood Branch river or stream. With a height of 53 feet and a hydraulic height of 52 feet, this dam plays a pivotal role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events.

The dam boasts a normal storage capacity of 445 acre-feet, with a maximum storage of 1400 acre-feet. It covers a surface area of 32 acres and has a drainage area of 2.01 square miles. The spillway, designed as uncontrolled, has a width of 158 feet to manage a maximum discharge of 11,277 cubic feet per second. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment remains satisfactory, ensuring its effectiveness in flood risk mitigation for the region.

Borden Lake Dam is subject to regular inspections, with its last assessment conducted in December 2018. Its risk assessment indicates a moderate level of risk, emphasizing the importance of continued monitoring and maintenance to uphold its structural integrity and functionality. As a vital infrastructure for water resource management and climate resilience, this dam stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts between local government entities and the USDA NRCS in safeguarding communities against the impacts of flooding.

Year Completed

1971

Dam Length

830

Dam Height

53

River Or Stream

PACKWOOD BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

32

Hydraulic Height

52

Drainage Area

2.01

Nid Storage

1400

Structural Height

56

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate)

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

56
       
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.