Little Raccoon Dam No. 7 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 19, 2025

Little Raccoon Dam No.


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Summary

7, also known as Guion Lake, is a significant earth dam located in Parke, Indiana. Constructed in 1972 by the USDA NRCS, this dam serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the unnamed tributary of Little Raccoon Creek. With a height of 32 feet and a length of 780 feet, this dam has a storage capacity of 559 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 12.3 acres.

Managed by the local government, the dam is regulated by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Despite being classified as having a "fair" condition assessment, it holds a significant hazard potential due to its location and purpose. The spillway, which is uncontrolled and 100 feet wide, can handle a maximum discharge of 4,285 cubic feet per second.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Little Raccoon Dam No. 7 to be a fascinating example of flood risk reduction infrastructure in Indiana. Its design, construction, and regulatory oversight provide valuable insights into the management of water resources and the importance of maintaining dam safety for the surrounding communities. With its strategic location and significant hazard potential, this dam serves as a vital component of the region's water management system and contributes to the overall resilience against flooding events.

Year Completed

1972

Dam Length

780

Dam Height

32

River Or Stream

UNNAMED TRIBUTARY LITTLE RACCOON CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

12.3

Hydraulic Height

32

Drainage Area

1.83

Nid Storage

559

Structural Height

32

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

32
       
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.