Harry Hughes Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Harry Hughes Lake Dam, located in Speed, Indiana, is a private dam primarily used for recreation.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Built in 1979 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at 20 feet high with a hydraulic height of 44 feet, providing a storage capacity of 627 acre-feet. The dam, situated on the TR-Sugar Run and Sinking Fork rivers, covers a surface area of 20 acres and serves as a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts in Clark County.

Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2016 revealed poor maintenance, raising concerns about its long-term stability. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources regulates and inspects the dam regularly, but additional attention may be needed to ensure its safety. With a drainage area of 0.29 square miles and a maximum discharge of 4334 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Harry Hughes Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study of the intersection between recreational use and infrastructure maintenance in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1979

Dam Length

450

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

TR-SUGAR RUN, SINKING FORK,

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

20

Hydraulic Height

44

Drainage Area

0.29

Nid Storage

627

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

44
       
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.