Bell Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 22, 2025

Bell Lake Dam, located in Johnson County, Indiana, serves as a crucial water resource along Nineveh Creek, primarily designated for recreational purposes.


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Summary

This private earth dam, completed in 1940, stands at a height of 25 feet with a length of 330 feet, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 1200 acre-feet. The dam's condition assessment in 2011 indicated poor structural integrity, posing a significant hazard potential and a high risk rating.

Despite its deteriorating condition, Bell Lake Dam continues to be a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts seeking water-based activities in the area. However, the dam's lack of a spillway and outlet gates, combined with its outdated design, present challenges in managing potential risks and ensuring public safety. The last inspection in 2018 highlighted the urgent need for maintenance and upgrades to mitigate the dam's risk level and safeguard the surrounding community from potential flooding events.

As climate change intensifies and water resources face increasing pressures, the importance of maintaining and improving infrastructure like Bell Lake Dam becomes paramount. With proper investments in rehabilitation and risk management measures, this dam can continue to provide valuable recreational opportunities while enhancing its resilience to future climate-related challenges.

Year Completed

1940

Dam Length

330

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

NINEVEH CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6.2

Hydraulic Height

25

Drainage Area

0.17

Nid Storage

1200

Structural Height

25

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

25
       
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.