Ball Band Dam (In-Channel) Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located on the St.


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Summary

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
       
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.