Salamonie Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 26, 2025
Salamonie Dam in Indiana plays a crucial role in flood risk reduction for downstream communities along the Wabash River.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Completed in 1966, the earth dam stands at 20 feet high and spans 1,100 feet, with a maximum storage capacity of 263,600 acre-feet. While the dam helps mitigate flooding, there remains a high hazard potential, especially during significant storm events that could overwhelm the spillway and lead to downstream flooding impacting communities like Lagro, Wabash, and Peru.
In the event of extreme rainfall causing water to flow over the dam, the potential for a breach poses a grave threat to downstream areas, with Lagro being the closest community at risk of significant flood damage. The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) actively manages the dam to minimize risks, conducting regular inspections, monitoring water levels, and collaborating with local emergency managers to ensure public safety. Despite the risk, Salamonie Dam remains a critical flood control structure, with USACE working diligently to prepare for potential emergencies and support communities in developing flood preparedness plans.
Overall, Salamonie Dam is a vital infrastructure protecting downstream areas from flooding, but the potential for high-risk scenarios necessitates continuous monitoring and risk management measures by the USACE to safeguard communities along the Wabash River. With a focus on emergency preparedness, collaboration with local authorities, and proactive measures, the dam plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks and ensuring the safety of residents in the region.
Year Completed |
1966 |
Dam Length |
1100 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
SALAMONIE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2860 |
Drainage Area |
553 |
Nid Storage |
263600 |
Structural Height |
20 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled - 0, Vertical Lift - 3 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Wabash River At Wabash
|
145cfs |
Salamonie River Near Warren
|
37cfs |
Eel River At North Manchester
|
99cfs |
Little River Near Huntington
|
25cfs |
Mississinewa River At Marion
|
83cfs |
Wabash River At Peru
|
215cfs |
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.
Lost Bridge State Rec Area - Salamonie Lake
Salamonie State Lake - Lost Bridge West SRA
Mt. Etna State Rec Area
Wabash River Camp
Wabash City RV Park
Lake Clare Park Camp
Salamonie Dam
Knight Road, Lagro