Located on the St.
Wind
Humidity
Joseph River in St. Joseph County, Indiana, the Ball Band Dam (In-Channel) stands as a testament to engineering excellence, with a history dating back to its completion in 1834. This concrete dam, with a height of 10 feet and a length of 320 feet, serves multiple purposes beyond flood control, making it a vital structure for the region. With a storage capacity of 291 acre-feet and a drainage area of 3,544 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area.
Managed by a public utility, the Ball Band Dam is regulated by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, ensuring its compliance with state regulations and periodic inspections. Despite being classified as having low hazard potential, the dam is subject to a high risk assessment due to its age and condition, rated as fair during its last assessment in 2007. Emergency action plans and risk management measures are essential components for ensuring the safety and stability of the dam, especially given its location in a high-risk area.
With a congressman from the Chicago District overseeing the region, the Ball Band Dam remains a key infrastructure asset, contributing to water resource management and climate resilience efforts in Indiana. As water resource and climate enthusiasts monitor the dam's condition and risk assessment, it serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining and upgrading critical infrastructure to adapt to changing environmental conditions and protect communities from potential hazards.
Year Completed |
1834 |
Dam Length |
320 |
Dam Height |
10 |
River Or Stream |
ST. JOSEPH RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Hydraulic Height |
10 |
Drainage Area |
3544 |
Nid Storage |
291 |
Structural Height |
10 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
10 |
Juday Creek Near South Bend
|
7cfs |
St. Joseph River At Elkhart
|
1520cfs |
St. Joseph River At Niles
|
2050cfs |
Dowagiac River At Sumnerville
|
282cfs |
Elkhart River At Goshen
|
170cfs |
Yellow River At Plymouth
|
85cfs |