Cecil M.
Wind
Humidity
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 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Raccoon - Cecil M. Harden Lake
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Rockville Lake County Park
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Lake Waveland Park
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