Hamilton Lake-South Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Hamilton Lake-South Dam, located in Steuben County, Indiana, stands as a critical piece of infrastructure regulating the flow of Fish Creek.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Built in 1832, this earth dam reaches a height of 21 feet and spans 280 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 18,000 acre-feet. The dam's purpose is to provide flood control and water storage for the surrounding area, with a drainage area of 16.5 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 472 cubic feet per second.

Despite its historical significance, Hamilton Lake-South Dam faces challenges in terms of its condition assessment, which was rated as poor as of 2010. The dam also carries a high hazard potential, indicating the need for regular inspections and maintenance to ensure public safety. With a risk assessment rating of high, stakeholders must prioritize risk management measures to mitigate potential hazards and safeguard the dam's structural integrity for years to come.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the preservation and upkeep of Hamilton Lake-South Dam serve as a vital concern to ensure the continued protection of surrounding communities and ecosystems. With a clear understanding of the dam's historical significance and the potential risks it poses, ongoing monitoring, maintenance, and risk management efforts are essential to ensure the long-term resilience and functionality of this crucial water resource infrastructure in Indiana.

Year Completed

1832

Dam Length

280

Dam Height

21

River Or Stream

FISH CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

755.39

Hydraulic Height

21

Drainage Area

16.5

Nid Storage

18000

Structural Height

21

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

21
       
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.