Ellis Lake Dam, also known as Gierhart Lake Dam, is a private dam located in Owen County, Indiana, along Butler Creek.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1968, this earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet and stretches 250 feet in length. The primary purpose of Ellis Lake Dam is for recreation, providing a surface area of 11.73 acres and a storage capacity of 108 acre-feet.
Despite its low hazard potential, Ellis Lake Dam has been assessed as unsatisfactory in condition, with the last inspection in 2017 revealing areas of concern. The dam is regulated by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections, with a risk assessment rating of high (2). While the dam does not have a spillway, its maximum discharge capacity is 168 cubic feet per second.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in Ellis Lake Dam can appreciate its role in providing recreational opportunities while also understanding the importance of its maintenance and monitoring to ensure the safety of surrounding communities and the integrity of the dam structure. With a history dating back to the late 1960s, Ellis Lake Dam serves as a valuable asset for water management in the region, highlighting the intersection of human infrastructure with natural water systems.
Year Completed |
1968 |
Dam Length |
250 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
BUTLER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
11.73 |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Drainage Area |
1 |
Nid Storage |
108 |
Structural Height |
20 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
20 |
Mill Creek Near Cataract
|
57cfs |
White River Near Centerton
|
1290cfs |
White Lick Creek At Mooresville
|
118cfs |
Eel River At Bowling Green
|
145cfs |
Plum Creek Near Bainbridge
|
0cfs |
Big Walnut Creek Near Roachdale
|
10cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Area 1
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Area 2
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Area 4
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Area 3
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Rattlesnake - Owen Putnam State Forest
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Cataract Void Campground
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