Upper Big Blue River Structure No. 3 dam
Upper Big Blue River Structure No. 3
Upper Big Blue River Structure No. 3, located in Carthage, Indiana, is a vital piece of infrastructure designed by the USDA NRCS to reduce flood risk along Threemile Creek. This earth dam, completed in 1974, stands at a height of 54 feet and spans 840 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 3,840 acre-feet. It serves multiple purposes, including flood risk reduction and recreation, showcasing the importance of sustainable water resource management in the region.
Despite being regulated by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, the dam is classified as having a significant hazard potential, with a fair condition assessment as of June 2013. The last inspection in April 2019 revealed the need for regular maintenance to ensure its functionality and safety. With a moderate risk assessment score of 3, there is a pressing need for continued monitoring and risk management measures to safeguard the surrounding area from potential disasters.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the critical role of Upper Big Blue River Structure No. 3 in protecting the local community and ecosystem is essential. By recognizing the dam's significance in flood control and recreation, while also acknowledging its risk factors and maintenance needs, we can advocate for sustainable practices and investment in water infrastructure to ensure its long-term functionality and resilience in the face of changing climate conditions.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Upper Big Blue River Structure No. 3 -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Sugar Creek At New Palestine | 67 cfs | → |
| Big Blue River At Shelbyville | 426 cfs | → |
| Fall Creek Near Fortville | 119 cfs | → |
| Buck Creek At Acton | 54 cfs | → |
| Whitewater River Near Alpine | 435 cfs | → |
| Flatrock River At St. Paul | 323 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Upper Big Blue River Structure No. 3.
Track Upper Big Blue River Structure No. 3 in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Upper Big Blue River Structure No. 3
Where does the data for Upper Big Blue River Structure No. 3 come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Significant hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Upper Big Blue River Structure No. 3.