St. Joseph River (In-Channel) Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The St.


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Summary

Joseph River (In-Channel) Dam in Indiana, completed in 1933, serves as a vital water supply infrastructure for the region. The concrete dam stands at a height of 10 feet and has a length of 225 feet, with a storage capacity of 874 acre-feet. Located in Allen County, Indiana, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources for the area, with a drainage area of 1,060 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 11,985 cubic feet per second.

Despite its importance for water supply, the dam poses a significant hazard potential, with a fair condition assessment as of April 2018. The inspection frequency is every three years, and emergency preparedness measures are in place to mitigate risks. The dam is regulated by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and functionality. With its radial outlet gates and absence of a spillway, the St. Joseph River Dam remains a key component in the region's water resource infrastructure, highlighting the importance of effective management and maintenance practices for climate resilience and water security.

Year Completed

1933

Dam Length

225

Dam Height

10

River Or Stream

ST. JOSEPH RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

30

Hydraulic Height

10

Drainage Area

1060

Nid Storage

874

Structural Height

10

Outlet Gates

Tainter (radial)

Hazard Potential

Significant

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.