Jordan Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Jordan Lake Dam, also known as Jordan Pekin Lake Dam, is a private-owned structure located in Washington, Indiana.


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Summary

Built in 1978 by Lawrence Trueblood, this earth dam stands at a height of 31 feet, with a length of 592 feet, and a storage capacity of 425 acre-feet. Situated on an unnamed tributary of the South Fork Blue River, the dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a surface area of 19.5 acres for water enthusiasts to enjoy.

With a high hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Jordan Lake Dam is regulated by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and integrity. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 70 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 6,350 cubic feet per second. Despite its moderate risk level, the dam has no associated emergency action plan (EAP) or inundation maps prepared, raising concerns about emergency preparedness in case of a catastrophic event.

Located within the Louisville District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Jordan Lake Dam serves as a vital recreational resource in the area. Its presence not only provides opportunities for outdoor activities but also highlights the importance of effective risk management and emergency planning to safeguard surrounding communities and the environment from potential hazards associated with dam failures.

Year Completed

1978

Dam Length

592

Dam Height

31

River Or Stream

UNNAMED TRIBUTARY SOUTH FORK BLUE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

19.5

Hydraulic Height

31

Drainage Area

1.75

Nid Storage

425

Structural Height

31

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

31
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.