Dean Gifford Pond Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 26, 2025

Dean Gifford Pond, located in Urbana, Indiana, is a privately owned water resource designed by USDA NRCS for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Built in 1974, this earth dam stands at a height of 14 feet and spans 1800 feet, with a storage capacity of 230 acre-feet and a surface area of 28 acres. The pond is regulated by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections, with the latest assessment in October 2020 revealing poor condition and a significant hazard potential.

Despite its recreational use, Dean Gifford Pond faces moderate risks due to its poor condition and significant hazard potential. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 30 feet, and a maximum discharge capacity of 570 cubic feet per second. The surrounding area, situated in the Wabash County of Indiana, is home to the Keafaber Ditch and operated as a private entity. Additionally, the dam's emergency action plan and risk management measures are not detailed, suggesting a need for further assessment and improvement to protect both the dam structure and the local community from potential hazards.

Overall, Dean Gifford Pond serves as both a recreational site and an important water resource in Indiana. With its unique design by USDA NRCS and its significant hazard potential, the pond highlights the importance of proper maintenance and risk assessment for dam structures. As climate change continues to impact water resources, efforts to ensure the safety and sustainability of Dean Gifford Pond are crucial for the surrounding community and environment.

Year Completed

1974

Dam Length

1800

Dam Height

14

River Or Stream

KEAFABER DITCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

28

Hydraulic Height

13

Drainage Area

0.17

Nid Storage

230

Structural Height

13

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

14
       
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.