Tri-Land Estates Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 20, 2025
Tri-Land Estates Lake Dam, located in Vigo, Indiana, is a private earth dam completed in 1945 primarily for recreational purposes.
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Summary
With a height of 34 feet and a length of 450 feet, the dam impounds an unnamed tributary of East Little Sugar Creek, creating a surface area of 12 acres and a storage capacity of 267 acre-feet. Despite its recreational value, the dam is classified as having a significant hazard potential and poor condition assessment, warranting regular inspections every three years to ensure public safety.
The dam, managed by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, lacks a spillway and outlet gates, posing a risk of overtopping during heavy rainfall events. While the dam's maximum discharge capacity is 964 cubic feet per second, its high risk rating indicates the need for improved risk management measures. Additionally, the dam's emergency action plan is outdated, raising concerns about the readiness of response protocols in case of a dam failure. With its location in a residential area, it is crucial for stakeholders to address the dam's deficiencies and prioritize maintenance to mitigate potential risks to surrounding communities.
Overall, Tri-Land Estates Lake Dam serves as a recreational asset in the region but requires immediate attention to address its safety concerns. Enhanced inspection and maintenance practices, as well as the development of an updated emergency action plan, are essential steps to ensure the long-term integrity and functionality of the dam. Water resource and climate enthusiasts should monitor the dam's condition and advocate for necessary improvements to safeguard both the environment and local communities.
Year Completed |
1945 |
Dam Length |
450 |
Dam Height |
34 |
River Or Stream |
UNNAMED TRIBUTARY EAST LITTLE SUGAR CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
12 |
Hydraulic Height |
34 |
Drainage Area |
0.25 |
Nid Storage |
267 |
Structural Height |
34 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
34 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Wabash River At Terre Haute
|
1770cfs |
Big Raccoon Creek At Coxville
|
138cfs |
Wabash River At Montezuma
|
2010cfs |
Eel River At Bowling Green
|
145cfs |
Wabash River At Riverton Ind
|
1870cfs |
Big Raccoon Creek Near Fincastle Ind
|
89cfs |
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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Camp Wildwood
|
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Hawthorne County Park
|
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Fowler County Park
|
Tri-Land Estates Lake Dam