Prairie Cr. Dam No. 3 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Dowell Lake Dam Prairie Cr. Dam No. 2
Last Updated: December 22, 2025
Prairie Cr.
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Summary
Dam No. 3, located in Vigo County, Indiana, is a vital infrastructure designed by USDA NRCS in 1973 for flood risk reduction along the Prairie Creek tributary. With a height of 25 feet and a hydraulic height of 28 feet, this earth dam spans 600 feet and has a capacity to store 383 acre-feet of water. Despite its low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, the dam serves as a crucial component in managing water resources in the area.
The dam's primary purpose of flood risk reduction is complemented by recreational benefits, making Prairie Cr. Dam No. 3 a multi-functional structure serving the local community in Prairie Creek. While the dam has no spillway, it ensures the safety and stability of the surrounding area by managing maximum discharge levels of up to 1970 cubic feet per second. The dam's strategic location and design cater to both flood control needs and outdoor recreational activities for residents and visitors alike.
Maintained by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Prairie Cr. Dam No. 3 undergoes regular inspections every five years to ensure its operational effectiveness and safety. With a high-risk assessment rating of 2, the dam remains a critical asset in the region's water resource management efforts. As climate change continues to impact weather patterns, the role of structures like Prairie Cr. Dam No. 3 becomes increasingly significant in safeguarding communities and ecosystems from the threats of flooding and water scarcity.
Year Completed |
1973 |
Dam Length |
600 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
PRAIRIE CREEK TRIBUTARY |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
15 |
Hydraulic Height |
28 |
Drainage Area |
1.61 |
Nid Storage |
383 |
Structural Height |
28 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
28 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Wabash River At Terre Haute
|
2380cfs |
Wabash River At Riverton Ind
|
2610cfs |
Busseron Creek Near Carlisle
|
138cfs |
Eel River At Bowling Green
|
145cfs |
Big Raccoon Creek At Coxville
|
100cfs |
North Fork Embarras River Near Oblong
|
53cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Prairie Cr. Dam No. 3