Reed Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Lake Mccoy Dam Jawacdah Farms Dam #3
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Reed Lake Dam, located in Brewersville, Indiana, is a privately-owned structure designed by USDA NRCS and completed in 1969.
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Summary
This Earth-type dam stands at a height of 20.3 feet and serves primarily for recreational purposes on the Cobb's Fork River. With a storage capacity of 139 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.28 square miles, Reed Lake Dam provides a surface area of 15.9 acres for water enthusiasts to enjoy.
Despite its recreational value, Reed Lake Dam has been assessed with a poor condition, posing a significant hazard potential due to its age and maintenance issues. The last inspection in 2018 revealed the need for improvement, and the dam's risk assessment is classified as high. With a history of state regulation and inspection, including the state jurisdiction, permitting, and enforcement, monitoring and maintenance efforts are crucial to ensure the safety and integrity of this important water resource in Decatur County, Indiana.
As climate change continues to impact water resources, the importance of maintaining and managing dams like Reed Lake Dam becomes increasingly critical. With a risk assessment indicating high potential hazards and a poor condition assessment, proactive measures must be taken to mitigate risks and ensure the safety of the surrounding community and environment. As water and climate enthusiasts, it is essential to advocate for proper maintenance, inspection, and emergency preparedness to safeguard valuable water resources like Reed Lake Dam for future generations.
Year Completed |
1969 |
Dam Length |
1020 |
Dam Height |
20.3 |
River Or Stream |
COBBS FORK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
15.9 |
Hydraulic Height |
18.4 |
Drainage Area |
0.28 |
Nid Storage |
139 |
Structural Height |
20.3 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Flatrock River At St. Paul
|
86cfs |
Clifty Creek At Hartsville
|
27cfs |
Whitewater River Near Alpine
|
124cfs |
Whitewater River At Brookville
|
471cfs |
Brush Creek Near Nebraska
|
2cfs |
Big Blue River At Shelbyville
|
115cfs |
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.
Reed Lake Dam