Lake Mccoy Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Reed Lake Dam Jawacdah Farms Dam #3
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Lake McCoy Dam, also known as Creswood Lake, is a captivating earth dam located in Decatur, Indiana, along the Cobbs Fork river.
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Summary
Built in 1900, this dam stands at a height of 24 feet and stretches 700 feet in length, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 986 acre-feet. The primary purpose of Lake McCoy Dam is for recreation, offering a surface area of 33.4 acres and a normal storage capacity of 132 acre-feet.
Despite its scenic beauty and recreational value, Lake McCoy Dam poses a significant hazard potential with a poor condition assessment. The last inspection in 2016 revealed that the dam requires attention, with a moderate risk assessment rating of 3. The dam lacks an emergency action plan (EAP) and updated inundation maps, raising concerns about its ability to withstand potential emergencies. The dam is regulated by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections, but its condition suggests a need for maintenance and risk management measures to ensure public safety and protect the surrounding environment.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Lake McCoy Dam presents a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of infrastructure, recreation, and environmental stewardship. With its historical significance and potential risks, the dam serves as a reminder of the importance of proactive dam safety practices and the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to protect communities and ecosystems. As efforts continue to address the dam's condition and risk factors, Lake McCoy Dam remains a focal point for discussions on water resource management and the resilience of our built environment in the face of changing climates and increasing demands on water infrastructure.
Year Completed |
1900 |
Dam Length |
700 |
Dam Height |
24 |
River Or Stream |
COBBS FORK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
33.4 |
Hydraulic Height |
24 |
Drainage Area |
4.59 |
Nid Storage |
986 |
Structural Height |
24 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
24 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Flatrock River At St. Paul
|
86cfs |
Clifty Creek At Hartsville
|
27cfs |
Brush Creek Near Nebraska
|
2cfs |
Whitewater River At Brookville
|
471cfs |
Whitewater River Near Alpine
|
124cfs |
Haw Creek Near Clifford
|
11cfs |
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.
Lake Mccoy Dam