Hereford Lake Dam, located in Jefferson County, Indiana, was completed in 1970 with a primary purpose of recreation.
Wind
Humidity
The dam is classified as an Earth dam with a height of 28.4 feet and a hydraulic height of 29 feet, creating a storage capacity of 603 acre-feet. The dam spans 590 feet in length, with a surface area of 38.4 acres and a drainage area of 2.5 square miles. Despite its significant hazard potential and poor condition assessment, the dam has not undergone any modifications since its construction.
The dam overlooks an unnamed tributary of Ramsey Creek and is owned by a private entity. It is regulated by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, which conducts regular inspections and enforces safety measures. With a maximum discharge capacity of 2801 cubic feet per second and no spillway, the dam poses a high risk to the surrounding area in the event of a breach. Water resource and climate enthusiasts may find Hereford Lake Dam to be a fascinating case study in dam management and risk assessment, highlighting the importance of maintaining aging infrastructure to ensure public safety and environmental conservation in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1970 |
Dam Length |
590 |
Dam Height |
28.4 |
River Or Stream |
UNNAMED TRIBUTARY RAMSEY CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
38.4 |
Hydraulic Height |
29 |
Drainage Area |
2.5 |
Nid Storage |
603 |
Structural Height |
29 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
29 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Clifty Falls State Park
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Madison City Park
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Campground Gatehouse
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Hardy Lake State Rec Area
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