Delaney Creek Dam No. 15 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Delaney Creek Dam No.


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Summary

15, also known as Plattsburg Lake, is a local government-owned earthen dam located in Kossuth, Indiana. Built in 1981 by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, this dam serves primarily for flood risk reduction along an unnamed tributary of Delaney Creek. With a height of 38 feet and a length of 610 feet, it provides a storage capacity of 380 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 6 acres.

Despite its important function, the dam's condition assessment in 2014 rated it as poor, with a hazard potential classified as low but a high risk assessment due to its structural deficiencies. The last inspection in 2019 highlighted the need for improvements, but no emergency action plan or inundation maps have been prepared. With a maximum discharge capacity of 940 cubic feet per second, the dam's inadequate condition raises concerns for the surrounding area's safety in the event of a major flood event. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Delaney Creek Dam No. 15 presents an intriguing case study in the management and maintenance of critical infrastructure in the face of evolving environmental challenges.

Year Completed

1981

Dam Length

610

Dam Height

38

River Or Stream

UNNAMED TRIBUTARY DELANEY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6

Drainage Area

1

Nid Storage

380

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

38
       
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.