Bittersweet Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bittersweet Lake Dam, located in Brown County, Indiana, is a privately owned structure that serves primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Completed in 1964, this earth dam stands at a height of 33 feet and has a length of 225 feet, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 66 acre-feet. The dam impounds an unnamed tributary of the North Fork Salt Creek, covering a surface area of 4.1 acres and draining a 0.15 square mile watershed.

Despite its recreational benefits, Bittersweet Lake Dam poses a high hazard potential due to its poor condition assessment as of 2007. The dam is regulated and permitted by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, with regular state inspections and enforcement to ensure public safety. With a maximum discharge capacity of 445 cubic feet per second, the dam is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway and lacks outlet gates for flow control.

Given its moderate risk rating and high hazard potential, stakeholders and climate enthusiasts should monitor the condition of Bittersweet Lake Dam closely. Continued inspections and maintenance efforts are essential to mitigate risks and ensure the safety of the surrounding community and environment. As a critical infrastructure in the region, the dam's management and upkeep play a crucial role in water resource management and climate resilience efforts.

Year Completed

1964

Dam Length

225

Dam Height

33

River Or Stream

UNNAMED TRIBUTARY NORTH FORK SALT CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4.1

Hydraulic Height

33

Drainage Area

0.15

Nid Storage

66

Structural Height

33

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

33
       
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.