Hendrickson Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: January 12, 2026

Hendrickson Lake Dam, located in Warrick, Indiana, along the Little Pigeon Creek, is a private earth dam completed in 1945.


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Summary

With a height of 27 feet and a length of 690 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 147 acre-feet and serves the primary purpose of water resource management. Despite being state-regulated and regularly inspected, the dam is classified as having a low hazard potential but a poor condition assessment, indicating the need for maintenance and potential upgrades.

The dam's risk assessment is considered high, with a hazard potential rating of 2 out of 5. While the dam does not have a spillway, outlet gates, or associated structures, it is monitored for safety and emergency preparedness. The last inspection was conducted in November 2015, highlighting the importance of ongoing maintenance and risk management measures to ensure the dam's integrity and safety for surrounding communities and the environment. With the dam's location in a high-risk area, stakeholders and regulators must prioritize proactive measures to address any potential vulnerabilities and mitigate risks associated with the dam.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the critical role of infrastructure like Hendrickson Lake Dam in managing water resources and mitigating flood risks is essential. By staying informed about the dam's condition, risk assessment, and emergency preparedness measures, stakeholders can advocate for necessary improvements to ensure the long-term safety and sustainability of the dam. Collaboration between private owners, state agencies, and regulatory bodies will be crucial in addressing the high-risk nature of the dam and implementing effective risk management strategies to protect local communities and the surrounding environment from potential hazards.

Year Completed

1945

Dam Length

690

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

LITTLE PIGEON CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

11

Hydraulic Height

27

Drainage Area

0.12

Nid Storage

147

Structural Height

27

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

27
       
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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.