University Lake Dam dam
University Lake Dam
University Lake Dam, located in Monroe, Indiana, is a state-regulated structure on Griffy Creek with a primary purpose that remains unspecified. Built in 1910, this Multi-Arch dam stands at a height of 34 feet and spans 270 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 97 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is rated as poor, last inspected in 2017 with a recommended inspection frequency of every five years.
The dam lacks a spillway and outlet gates, posing a risk of high inundation in the event of a failure. With a risk assessment rating of 2 on a scale of 1 to 4, there is a pressing need for improved risk management measures to safeguard the surrounding community and environment. The dam's location, surrounded by a surface area of 4.93 acres and a drainage area of 0.29 square miles, underscores the importance of maintaining the structural integrity and stability of this critical water resource infrastructure.
As a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts, University Lake Dam serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in managing aging infrastructure and ensuring the safety and resilience of our water systems. With state jurisdiction and regulation by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, it is crucial for stakeholders to prioritize the upkeep and monitoring of this dam to mitigate potential risks and protect the surrounding area from the threat of flooding and structural failure.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around University Lake Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| North Fork Salt Creek At Nashville | 1,210 cfs | → |
| Mill Creek Near Cataract | 2,770 cfs | → |
| White River Near Centerton | 10,600 cfs | → |
| Driftwood River Near Edinburgh Ind | 5,910 cfs | → |
| East Fork White River Near Bedford | 6,410 cfs | → |
| Sugar Creek Near Edinburgh | 3,580 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near University Lake Dam.
Boat launches
- East Stipp Road Monroe County
- Monroe County
- Henderson Ford Boat Ramp
- Bartholomew County
- Brann Road Owen County
- Ten High Drive Owen County
Campgrounds
- Paynetown State Rec Area - Monroe Lake
- Primitive Campground
- Tent Area B
- Tent Area D
- Tent Area C
- Tent Area E
Track University Lake Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About University Lake Dam
Where does the data for University Lake Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of University Lake Dam.