Black Beauty No. 3 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Black Beauty No.


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Summary

3 is a private earth dam located in Pike, Indiana, along an unnamed tributary of the Patoka River. Built in 1982, this dam stands at a height of 24 feet and spans 460 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 72 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is currently rated as being in poor condition, based on a 2015 assessment.

The dam is regulated by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections, with the last one conducted in November 2015. While it lacks a spillway, the dam's purpose is primarily classified as 'Other', indicating its role in water resource management beyond flood control. With a high risk assessment rating of 2, there is a need for improved risk management measures to ensure the safety and integrity of Black Beauty No. 3 for both the surrounding community and the environment.

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Black Beauty No. 3 to be a significant structure in Indiana, contributing to the local watershed and serving as a vital component of the state's water infrastructure. Its location, design, and current condition present opportunities for further study and potential improvements to enhance its safety and functionality in the face of changing climate conditions and evolving regulatory requirements.

Year Completed

1982

Dam Length

460

Dam Height

24

River Or Stream

UNNAMED TRIBUTARY PATOKA RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5

Drainage Area

0.06

Nid Storage

72

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

24
       
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.