Cecil M. Harden Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 17, 2025

Cecil M.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Harden Dam, also known as Cecil M. Harden Lake, is a crucial Federal-owned structure in Indiana designed by the US Army Corps of Engineers to primarily reduce flood risks along the Raccoon Creek. Completed in 1960, this earth dam stands at a hydraulic height of 115 feet and a structural height of 119 feet, with a length of 1860 feet and a maximum storage capacity of 132,800 acre-feet. Despite its successful track record in flood risk reduction, a risk assessment conducted in 2013 deemed the dam to have a moderate urgency level, warranting further study to address potential vulnerabilities.

While the dam significantly mitigates flood risks to surrounding communities, the risk of downstream flooding remains, especially during extreme rainfall events that may overwhelm the spillway system. In the unlikely event of internal erosion causing a breach, catastrophic flooding could impact towns along Raccoon Creek and the Wabash River, posing a hazard to residential structures and potentially resulting in scattered life losses. To manage these risks, the USACE actively monitors and inspects the dam, collaborates with emergency managers, updates emergency plans, and conducts regular exercises with state and local response teams. By prioritizing safety measures and ensuring the dam's structural integrity, efforts are made to protect the public and reduce the likelihood of dam failure.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

1860

River Or Stream

RACCOON CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2060

Hydraulic Height

115

Drainage Area

216

Nid Storage

132800

Structural Height

119

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 0, Vertical Lift - 3

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

119
       
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.