Little Raccoon Dam No. 14 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 18, 2025
Little Raccoon Dam No.
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Summary
14, also known as Lewis Lake, is a local government-owned structure located in Catlin, Parke County, Indiana. Constructed in 1973 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam serves as a flood risk reduction measure on an unnamed tributary of Little Raccoon Creek. With a height of 30 feet and a length of 1490 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 708 acre-feet and a drainage area of 2.22 square miles.
Despite its important flood risk reduction function, Little Raccoon Dam No. 14 is currently in poor condition and has a low hazard potential. The last inspection in 2015 revealed its deteriorating state, prompting the need for maintenance and repairs to ensure its continued effectiveness in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding. With a maximum discharge capacity of 1360 cubic feet per second, the dam remains a critical infrastructure for water resource management in the region.
Ensuring the safety and functionality of Little Raccoon Dam No. 14 is crucial for mitigating the high risk associated with its deteriorating condition. With state regulation, inspection, and enforcement in place, efforts must be made to address the poor condition assessment and implement necessary risk management measures to safeguard the community and environment from the potential consequences of dam failure. Collaboration between local government agencies, the USDA NRCS, and other stakeholders is essential to secure the structural integrity of this vital flood control structure in Indiana.
Year Completed |
1973 |
Dam Length |
1490 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
UNNAMED TRIBUTARY LITTLE RACCOON CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
25 |
Hydraulic Height |
30 |
Drainage Area |
2.22 |
Nid Storage |
708 |
Structural Height |
30 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
30 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
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Little Raccoon Dam No. 14