South Bend Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
South Bend, located in St.
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Summary
Joseph County, Indiana, is home to a hydroelectric dam on the St. Joseph River. This dam, completed in 1850, is a Timber Crib type structure standing at 12 feet tall and stretching 435 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 800 acre-feet and a drainage area of 3,572 acres, the dam serves as a source of hydroelectric power, providing a sustainable energy solution for the local community.
Managed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the South Bend dam has a low hazard potential and is inspected every three years to ensure its safety and functionality. The spillway, which is uncontrolled, has a width matching the length of the dam at 435 feet. The dam's overall risk assessment is moderate, indicating a need for ongoing monitoring and risk management measures. Despite these considerations, the South Bend dam continues to play a crucial role in the region's water resource management and climate resilience efforts.
South Bend's hydroelectric dam not only contributes to the local energy supply but also serves as a key infrastructure for water management and environmental sustainability. With its historical significance dating back over a century, the dam stands as a testament to the intersection of human innovation and natural resource utilization. As climate change intensifies, the South Bend dam remains a symbol of how communities can harness the power of water resources to meet their energy needs while prioritizing ecological balance and long-term resilience.
Year Completed |
1850 |
Dam Length |
435 |
Dam Height |
12 |
River Or Stream |
St Joseph River |
Primary Dam Type |
Timber Crib |
Surface Area |
150 |
Drainage Area |
3572 |
Nid Storage |
800 |
Outlet Gates |
Drum - 3 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
12 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Juday Creek Near South Bend
|
7cfs |
St. Joseph River At Elkhart
|
1520cfs |
St. Joseph River At Niles
|
2050cfs |
Elkhart River At Goshen
|
170cfs |
Dowagiac River At Sumnerville
|
282cfs |
Yellow River At Plymouth
|
85cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
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