Zion Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Zion Lake Dam, also known as Wilson Smart Dam and Hickory Farm Lake Dam, is a private-owned structure in Jennings, Indiana, completed in 1957 for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Situated on an unnamed tributary of Graham Creek, the earth dam stands at 21 feet high and 560 feet long, with a storage capacity of 353 acre-feet. Despite a low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2015 rated as poor, reflecting the need for maintenance and rehabilitation to ensure its long-term safety and functionality.

With no spillway and outlet gates, the dam poses a risk of high consequence in the event of failure, prompting the need for ongoing inspections and risk management measures. The last inspection in October 2020 indicated a 5-year inspection frequency due to the dam's condition and associated risks. While the dam is regulated by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and meets state permitting and inspection requirements, its poor condition and high risk underscore the importance of timely and comprehensive maintenance to mitigate potential hazards and protect the surrounding community and environment. As a vital water resource in the area, Zion Lake Dam's upkeep is crucial for ensuring sustainable water management and climate resilience in the region.

Year Completed

1957

Dam Length

560

Dam Height

21

River Or Stream

UNNAMED TRIBUTARY GRAHAM CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

32

Hydraulic Height

21

Drainage Area

1.73

Nid Storage

353

Structural Height

21

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

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.