Chinook Mine Dam No. 5-C Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 22, 2025

Chinook Mine Dam No.


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Summary

5-C, located in Vigo County, Indiana, was completed in 1981 with a primary purpose classified as "Other." This earth dam stands at a height of 26 feet and has a length of 380 feet, providing a storage capacity of 119 acre-feet. With a normal storage level of 47 acre-feet, the dam covers a surface area of 6.6 acres and serves a drainage area of 0.25 square miles. Despite being privately owned and not regulated by the state, the dam is considered to have low hazard potential and is currently rated as "Not Rated" in terms of condition assessment.

Although the dam has not been inspected since August 1995, it boasts a maximum discharge capacity of 993 cubic feet per second. With no associated structures and no emergency action plan in place, the risk management measures for Chinook Mine Dam No. 5-C remain unclear. While it may not be under the jurisdiction of state regulatory agencies, the dam's role in water resource management and climate resilience in the area cannot be understated. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, this dam presents an intriguing case study in private ownership and maintenance of critical infrastructure in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1981

Dam Length

380

Dam Height

26

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6.6

Drainage Area

0.25

Nid Storage

119

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

26
       
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.
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