Cliff Pettit Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Cliff Pettit Dam, located in LaGrange, Indiana, was completed in 1845 and stands at a height of 8 feet with a length of 200 feet.
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Summary
Despite its historical significance, the dam currently has an unsatisfactory condition assessment and is considered to have significant hazard potential. The last inspection of the dam took place in 2002, highlighting the need for regular monitoring and maintenance to ensure public safety and prevent potential disasters.
This private-owned dam does not fall under state regulation or jurisdiction, leading to questions about its maintenance and emergency preparedness measures. With a drainage area of 30.52 square miles and a normal storage capacity of zero, the dam's role in water resource management in the region is uncertain. The lack of updated emergency action plans and risk assessments raise concerns about the dam's ability to withstand extreme weather events and climate change impacts, making it a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts to monitor closely.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts delve deeper into the data surrounding Cliff Pettit Dam, there is a pressing need for increased attention to its maintenance, risk assessment, and emergency preparedness. The dam's location in LaGrange, Indiana, coupled with its historical significance and current unsatisfactory condition, underscores the importance of regular inspections and upgrades to ensure the safety of surrounding communities and the resilience of the dam in the face of changing climate patterns. With a significant hazard potential and lack of state regulation, the future of Cliff Pettit Dam remains a topic of concern and interest for those passionate about water resource management and climate adaptation strategies.
Year Completed |
1845 |
Dam Length |
200 |
Dam Height |
8 |
Drainage Area |
30.52 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
8 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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 |
|---|---|---|
Bixler Lake City Campground
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Hidden Diamonds City Park
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Pigeon River State Fish and Wildlife Area
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Cliff Pettit Dam
Sylvan Lake At Rome City
Waldron Lake Near Cosperville
Westler Lake
Steinbarger Lake
Pigeon River