Palmyra Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: January 11, 2026
Palmyra Lake Dam, also known as Hawaco, is a private dam located in Washington County, Indiana.
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Summary
Completed in 1938, this earth dam stands at 23 feet high and stretches 400 feet in length, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 142 acre-feet for recreational purposes. Situated on Licking Creek, the dam is state-regulated by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, with inspections and enforcement measures in place to ensure public safety.
Despite its low hazard potential, Palmyra Lake Dam has a poor condition assessment as of January 2014, indicating a need for maintenance and repairs. The dam's high risk assessment level of 2 underscores the importance of implementing risk management measures to mitigate potential safety hazards. With a maximum discharge capacity of 1,473 cubic feet per second and a drainage area of 2.5 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is vital to monitor the condition of Palmyra Lake Dam and advocate for necessary improvements to enhance its safety and resilience. By staying informed about the dam's inspection reports, risk assessments, and emergency action plans, stakeholders can contribute to the preservation of this essential infrastructure and the protection of surrounding communities from potential flood risks.
Year Completed |
1938 |
Dam Length |
400 |
Dam Height |
23 |
River Or Stream |
LICKING CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
8.91 |
Hydraulic Height |
23 |
Drainage Area |
2.5 |
Nid Storage |
142 |
Structural Height |
23 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
23 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Palmyra Lake Dam