Terrace Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Terrace Lake Dam, located in Bartholomew County, Indiana, is a privately owned structure built in 1948 primarily for recreational purposes, including fish and wildlife pond management.


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Summary

The dam, standing at a height of 21.1 feet with a hydraulic height of 24 feet, impounds a maximum of 107 acre-feet of water in its reservoir. The dam's poor condition assessment and high hazard potential highlight the need for regular inspections and maintenance to ensure the safety of the surrounding community and ecosystem.

Despite its critical state, Terrace Lake Dam remains a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts seeking recreational opportunities in the area. The dam's spillway, with a width of 100 feet, serves as an uncontrolled outlet for excess water flow. However, the lack of outlet gates raises concerns about the dam's ability to effectively manage water levels during periods of heavy rainfall or flooding events. With a drainage area of only 0.11 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in regulating water flow in the unnamed tributary of Wolf Creek, emphasizing the importance of ongoing monitoring and risk management measures to prevent potential disasters.

As Greg Pence represents the area in Congress, there is hope that federal support and funding may be available to address the dam's deteriorating condition. The dam's location within the Louisville District of the US Army Corps of Engineers underscores the need for collaboration between local, state, and federal agencies to implement necessary improvements and ensure the long-term resilience of Terrace Lake Dam. By prioritizing safety measures and investing in infrastructure upgrades, stakeholders can protect both the dam's recreational value and the surrounding water resources for current and future generations to enjoy.

Year Completed

1948

Dam Length

435

Dam Height

21.1

River Or Stream

UNNAMED TRIBUTARY WOLF CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

11

Hydraulic Height

24

Drainage Area

0.11

Nid Storage

107

Structural Height

24

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

24
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.