Greenwood Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 25, 2025
Greenwood Lake Dam, located in Newberry, Indiana, serves as a crucial flood risk reduction infrastructure along First Creek.
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Summary
Built in 1937 by the US Navy, this earth dam stands at 55 feet high, with a hydraulic height matching the structural height of 52 feet. With a storage capacity of 29,800 acre-feet and a surface area of 800 acres, the dam plays a vital role in water supply management and recreational activities in the region.
Despite its fair condition assessment, Greenwood Lake Dam is classified as having a high hazard potential, prompting regular inspections every three years. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 540 feet to manage maximum discharge rates of up to 27,000 cubic feet per second. While the risk assessment deems it as moderate, the dam's strategic location and design make it a key asset for flood control and water resource management in Martin County, Indiana.
Owned and operated by the US Navy, Greenwood Lake Dam remains a significant piece of infrastructure that contributes to the overall water resource and climate resilience in the region. As a Federal flood risk reduction project, the dam continues to serve its primary purpose while offering additional benefits for recreation and water supply management. With a focus on safety and risk management, Greenwood Lake Dam stands as a testament to effective engineering and management practices in safeguarding communities from potential flooding events.
Year Completed |
1937 |
Dam Length |
1559 |
Dam Height |
55 |
River Or Stream |
FIRST CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
800 |
Hydraulic Height |
55 |
Nid Storage |
29800 |
Structural Height |
52 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
55 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
White River At Newberry
|
1910cfs |
East Fork White River At Shoals
|
3920cfs |
East Fork White River Near Bedford
|
2710cfs |
Busseron Creek Near Carlisle
|
74cfs |
White River Above Petersburg
|
1220cfs |
Patoka River At Jasper
|
166cfs |
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.
Greenwood Lake Dam