Chinook Mine Dam No. 7 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 22, 2025
Chinook Mine Dam No.
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Summary
7, located in Vigo, Indiana, stands as a private earth dam with a height of 17 feet and a length of 812 feet. This dam serves a primary purpose that extends beyond typical water resource management, and its storage capacity is noted at 166 acre-feet. The dam's construction date remains unspecified, but its last inspection took place in August 1988, highlighting its age and potential need for updated assessments.
Despite not being regulated or permitted by the state, Chinook Mine Dam No. 7 poses an undetermined hazard potential and has yet to receive a condition rating. The dam's emergency action plan status, risk assessment, and risk management measures remain unknown. With a drainage area of 2 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 1150 cubic feet per second, this structure plays a significant role in local water management efforts.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Chinook Mine Dam No. 7 presents an intriguing case study of a privately owned dam with limited state oversight and an uncertain hazard potential. Its unique characteristics and historical inspection data provide valuable insights into the complexities of managing and maintaining dams in environmentally sensitive areas like Vigo, Indiana. As discussions around water security and climate resilience continue to evolve, understanding the status of structures like Chinook Mine Dam No. 7 becomes increasingly important for ensuring the safety and sustainability of our water resources.
Dam Length |
812 |
Dam Height |
17 |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
14.4 |
Drainage Area |
2 |
Nid Storage |
166 |
Hazard Potential |
Undetermined |
Nid Height |
17 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Wabash River At Terre Haute
|
2250cfs |
Big Raccoon Creek At Coxville
|
128cfs |
Eel River At Bowling Green
|
145cfs |
Wabash River At Montezuma
|
2290cfs |
Mill Creek Near Cataract
|
57cfs |
Big Raccoon Creek Near Fincastle Ind
|
89cfs |
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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Hawthorne County Park
|
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Camp Wildwood
|
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Fowler County Park
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Chinook Mine Dam No. 7