Hemlock Lake Dam South (Lower) Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 19, 2025

Hemlock Lake Dam South (Lower) in Indiana is a privately owned dam designed for recreational purposes, completed in 1937.


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Summary

The dam, situated on Lick Creek, stands at a height of 22 feet with a hydraulic height of 20 feet. With a storage capacity of 95 acre-feet, this earth dam also serves as a water resource for the surrounding area, holding a normal storage capacity of 62 acre-feet over a surface area of 8.56 acres.

Despite its historical significance and recreational value, Hemlock Lake Dam South (Lower) poses a significant hazard potential due to its poor condition assessment. The dam has not been inspected since December 2017, and it is in need of maintenance and repair to ensure its safety and functionality. With a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, there is a pressing need for risk management measures to be put in place to mitigate potential hazards and ensure the safety of the surrounding community and environment.

Located in Fountain County, Indiana, Hemlock Lake Dam South (Lower) is regulated by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The dam's spillway type is listed as uncontrolled, with a maximum discharge capacity of 1124 cubic feet per second. As a focal point for recreation and water resource management, it is crucial that the dam undergoes regular maintenance and assessment to address its current poor condition and ensure the safety of its users and the surrounding ecosystem.

Year Completed

1937

Dam Length

60

Dam Height

22

River Or Stream

LICK CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8.56

Hydraulic Height

20

Drainage Area

1.9

Nid Storage

95

Structural Height

22

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

22
       
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.