Grouse Ridge Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Grouse Ridge Lake Dam, located in Bartholomew, Indiana, stands as a pivotal structure in the state's water resource management.


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Summary

Completed in 1964, the dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a serene oasis for visitors to enjoy. The dam's earth construction, with stone core types and rock and soil foundations, stands at a height of 36 feet and a length of 700 feet, creating a reservoir with a max storage capacity of 521 acre-feet.

Despite its recreational allure, Grouse Ridge Lake Dam is not without its challenges. With a high hazard potential and a poor condition assessment as of 2000, the dam requires consistent inspection and maintenance to ensure public safety. The dam's spillway, an uncontrolled type, poses additional risk factors that must be managed carefully. Despite these concerns, the dam continues to attract visitors with its 26.7-acre surface area and its critical role in managing the unnamed tributary of White Creek.

As climate change increasingly impacts water resources, the significance of structures like Grouse Ridge Lake Dam only grows. With its moderate risk assessment and state-regulated status, the dam represents a crucial intersection of human intervention and natural forces. As enthusiasts of water resources and climate resilience, understanding and advocating for the ongoing maintenance and safety of dams like Grouse Ridge Lake Dam is essential in safeguarding our environment for future generations.

Year Completed

1964

Dam Length

700

Dam Height

36

River Or Stream

UNNAMED TRIBUTARY WHITE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

26.7

Hydraulic Height

36

Drainage Area

0.29

Nid Storage

521

Structural Height

41.5

Outlet Gates

Valve

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

42
       
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.