Baker Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 25, 2025
Baker Dam, also known as Ellis Lake Dam, is a privately owned structure located in Hancock, Indiana, along an unnamed tributary of Sixmile Creek.
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Summary
Completed in 1988, this earth dam serves primarily for recreation purposes, with a height of 31 feet and a maximum storage capacity of 93 acre-feet. The dam's spillway, which is uncontrolled, has a width of 10 feet and a maximum discharge of 537 cubic feet per second. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2009 was reported as poor.
The dam has a surface area of 2.5 acres and a drainage area of 0.09 square miles. Although it is regulated by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and undergoes inspection every 5 years, the last inspection was conducted in 2014. With a moderate risk rating of 3, the dam's risk management measures and emergency action plan status are not currently available. As a point of interest for water resource and climate enthusiasts, Baker Dam presents a unique opportunity for recreation while also highlighting the importance of regular maintenance and monitoring to ensure public safety and environmental protection.
Year Completed |
1988 |
Dam Length |
310 |
Dam Height |
31 |
River Or Stream |
UNNAMED TRIBUTARY SIXMILE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2.5 |
Hydraulic Height |
34 |
Drainage Area |
0.09 |
Nid Storage |
93 |
Structural Height |
31 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
34 |
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.
Baker Dam