St. Meinrad (South) Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

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Summary

Meinrad (South) Dam, located in Perry, Indiana, was completed in 1930 and is a crucial infrastructure for managing water resources in the area. This earth dam stands at a height of 37 feet and has a length of 570 feet, providing a storage capacity of 107 acre-feet. The dam is situated on an unnamed tributary of the Anderson River, serving as a vital structure for flood control and water supply management in the region.

Despite its significant hazard potential and poor condition assessment, St. Meinrad (South) Dam plays a crucial role in mitigating the risks associated with high discharge events in the area. With a drainage area of 0.05 square miles and a surface area of 5.07 acres, the dam serves as a key point for regulating water flow and ensuring the safety of nearby communities. The dam is regulated by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and operational effectiveness.

As a private-owned structure with state jurisdiction and permitting, St. Meinrad (South) Dam faces challenges in terms of maintenance and risk management. The dam lacks a spillway and outlet gates, posing additional concerns during high water events. With a risk assessment rating of high (2), there is a pressing need for continued monitoring and potential upgrades to enhance the resilience of this vital water resource infrastructure in the face of changing climate patterns and increasing water-related risks.

Year Completed

1930

Dam Length

570

Dam Height

37

River Or Stream

UNNAMED TRIBUTARY ANDERSON RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5.07

Hydraulic Height

37

Drainage Area

0.05

Nid Storage

107

Structural Height

37

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

37
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.