Bear Creek Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 20, 2025

Bear Creek Lake Dam in Indiana is a state-regulated earth dam with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Built in 1939, this dam stands at a height of 31 feet and has a structural height of 32 feet, creating a reservoir with a normal storage capacity of 58 acre-feet. The dam serves as a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a surface area of 6.4 acres for recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing.

Located in Brown County, Indiana, Bear Creek Lake Dam poses a high hazard potential with fair condition assessment. The dam is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway and a valve outlet gate. The last inspection in July 2017 found the dam to be in fair condition, with a moderate risk assessment rating of 3. While the dam has not been modified in recent years, regular inspections are conducted every two years to ensure its safety and integrity.

Managed by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Bear Creek Lake Dam is a vital resource for water supply and recreation in the area. With its picturesque setting along Bear Creek, this dam offers a scenic retreat for visitors to enjoy nature and engage in various water-based activities. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the maintenance and monitoring of dams like Bear Creek Lake Dam are crucial to ensuring the safety and sustainability of our water infrastructure in the face of evolving environmental challenges.

Year Completed

1939

Dam Length

331

Dam Height

31

River Or Stream

BEAR CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6.4

Hydraulic Height

31

Drainage Area

0.55

Nid Storage

116

Structural Height

32

Outlet Gates

Valve

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

32
       
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.