Coffing Brothers Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 19, 2025
Coffing Brothers Dam, located in Fountain, Indiana, was completed in 1962 and serves primarily for recreation.
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Summary
This earthen dam stands at a height of 34 feet, with a hydraulic height of 39 feet, and a total length of 460 feet. It has a storage capacity of 126 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 7.4 acres. The dam is situated on an unnamed tributary of Coal Creek and is regulated by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.
Despite its low hazard potential, Coffing Brothers Dam has been rated as being in poor condition as of July 2011. The last inspection conducted on the dam was in August 2016, with a frequency of inspections set at every 5 years. The dam has an uncontrolled spillway type and no outlet gates. In the event of an emergency, the dam's Emergency Action Plan status and risk assessment remain unclear, highlighting potential areas for improvement in the dam's safety and management protocols.
Overall, Coffing Brothers Dam presents a moderate risk level and remains under state jurisdiction in terms of permitting, inspection, and enforcement. With its picturesque location and recreational purpose, the dam serves as a vital resource for the local community and water enthusiasts. Moving forward, continued monitoring and maintenance efforts will be crucial to ensure the dam's structural integrity and the safety of its surrounding areas.
Year Completed |
1962 |
Dam Length |
460 |
Dam Height |
34 |
River Or Stream |
UNNAMED TRIBUTARY COAL CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7.4 |
Hydraulic Height |
39 |
Drainage Area |
0.31 |
Nid Storage |
126 |
Structural Height |
39 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
39 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Wabash River At Covington
|
1670cfs |
Vermilion River Near Danville
|
34cfs |
Wabash River At Montezuma
|
2010cfs |
Middle Fork Vermilion River Above Oakwood
|
23cfs |
Big Raccoon Creek At Coxville
|
138cfs |
Sugar Creek At Crawfordsville
|
92cfs |
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.
Coffing Brothers Dam