Lake Bodona Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 20, 2025

Lake Bodona Dam, located in Morgan County, Indiana, is a privately owned structure designed by USDA NRCS for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Completed in 1945, this earth dam stands at a height of 28 feet and stretches 856 feet in length, creating a surface area of 10.91 acres and a storage capacity of 146 acre-feet. The dam is situated on an unnamed tributary of McCracken Creek and is regulated by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.

With a high hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Lake Bodona Dam is subject to regular inspections, with the most recent one conducted in October 2018. Despite its moderate risk level, the dam has not undergone any significant modifications over the years and lacks emergency action plans or inundation maps. The spillway, with a width of 40 feet, is uncontrolled, and there are no outlet gates associated with the structure.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Lake Bodona Dam presents an intriguing case study of a privately owned recreational dam in Indiana. Its historical significance, design features, and regulatory oversight offer valuable insights into the management and maintenance of earthen structures in the region. As climate change impacts water resources, understanding the condition and risk profile of dams like Lake Bodona becomes increasingly crucial for ensuring public safety and environmental conservation in the face of evolving challenges.

Year Completed

1945

Dam Length

856

Dam Height

28

River Or Stream

UNNAMED TRIBUTARY MCCRACKEN CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10.91

Hydraulic Height

28

Drainage Area

0.15

Nid Storage

146

Structural Height

28

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

28
       
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.