Pritchard Park Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 19, 2025

Pritchard Park Dam, located in Morgan, Indiana, is a significant earth dam built in 1950 primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 28 feet with a hydraulic height of 29 feet, the dam holds a storage capacity of 37 acre-feet and serves as a vital structure on an unnamed tributary of the White River. The dam's poor condition assessment and high hazard potential highlight the need for regular inspections and maintenance to ensure public safety and environmental protection.

Despite its age, Pritchard Park Dam continues to attract water resource and climate enthusiasts due to its unique design and historical significance. The dam's location in a picturesque setting adds to its appeal, providing visitors with opportunities for outdoor recreational activities such as fishing and boating. However, the dam's condition and risk assessment signal the importance of ongoing risk management measures to mitigate potential hazards and ensure the long-term sustainability of the structure.

As a state-regulated dam under the jurisdiction of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), Pritchard Park Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management within the region. With its significant hazard potential and high risk assessment, it is essential for stakeholders to prioritize safety measures and implement necessary improvements to safeguard the dam's integrity and preserve its recreational value for future generations of water resource and climate enthusiasts.

Year Completed

1950

Dam Length

370

Dam Height

28

River Or Stream

UNNAMED TRIBUTARY WHITE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2.8

Hydraulic Height

29

Drainage Area

0.12

Nid Storage

37

Structural Height

29

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

29
       
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.