Busseron Dam No. J-1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 19, 2025

Busseron Dam No.


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Summary

J-1, also known as Jackson Hill Lake, is located in Sullivan, Indiana and was completed in 1975 by the USDA NRCS. This earth dam stands at a height of 29 feet and has a length of 970 feet, creating a storage capacity of 3,573 acre-feet. The primary purpose of this dam is flood risk reduction for the Kettle Creek watershed, with a drainage area of 7.12 square miles and a maximum discharge of 5,073 cubic feet per second.

Despite being classified as having a significant hazard potential, the dam is currently in fair condition as of the last assessment in December 2015. The inspection frequency is every 3 years, with the last inspection taking place in March 2018. The dam does not have a spillway and the outlet gates are non-existent, making it crucial for the state-regulated structure to be maintained and closely monitored to ensure the safety of the surrounding community. With a risk assessment rating of high (2), it is imperative that proper risk management measures are in place to mitigate any potential threats posed by this vital water resource infrastructure.

Year Completed

1975

Dam Length

970

Dam Height

29

River Or Stream

KETTLE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

80

Hydraulic Height

29

Drainage Area

7.12

Nid Storage

3573

Structural Height

29

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

29
       
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.