Harrison Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: January 12, 2026

Harrison Lake Dam, located in Veedersburg, Indiana, was completed in 1945 and stands at a height of 21 feet.


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Summary

The dam serves the primary purpose of recreation, providing a surface area of 7.3 acres and a maximum storage capacity of 77 acre-feet. The dam is situated on an unnamed tributary of Coal Creek, within a drainage area of 1.61 square miles.

Despite its low hazard potential, Harrison Lake Dam has been rated as being in poor condition, with a last assessment conducted in July 2011. The dam is under state regulation and inspection, with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources overseeing its permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled, and it has no outlet gates. While the risk assessment for the dam indicates a moderate level of risk, with a rating of 3 on a scale of 1 to 5, there are currently no specific risk management measures in place.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in Harrison Lake Dam can appreciate its role in providing recreational opportunities in the area, as well as the challenges faced in maintaining its structural integrity and safety. With a history dating back to the mid-20th century, the dam remains a key feature in the local landscape, serving both practical and leisure purposes. Ongoing monitoring and assessment will be essential to ensure the continued stability and functionality of this important water resource infrastructure.

Year Completed

1945

Dam Length

320

Dam Height

21

River Or Stream

UNNAMED TRIBUTARY COAL CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7.3

Hydraulic Height

21

Drainage Area

1.61

Nid Storage

77

Structural Height

21

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

21
       
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.