Harrison West Lake Dam (North) Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Harrison West Lake Dam (North) in Bartholomew, Indiana, is a private dam completed in 1947 with the primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

The earth-fill structure stands at a height of 27 feet and has a length of 500 feet, creating a reservoir with a normal storage capacity of 35 acre-feet. Located on an unnamed tributary of Denios Creek, the dam poses a significant hazard potential and has been assessed as being in poor condition.

Despite its recreational focus, the dam lacks spillway infrastructure and outlet gates, raising concerns about its ability to manage potential flood events. The last inspection conducted in January 2017 revealed the dam's poor condition, leading to its classification as a high-risk structure. With a drainage area of 0.07 square miles and a surface area of 4 acres, the dam's inadequate hazard management measures underscore the need for continued monitoring and potential rehabilitation efforts to ensure public safety and water resource sustainability in the area.

Year Completed

1947

Dam Length

500

Dam Height

24

River Or Stream

UNNAMED TRIBUTARY DENIOS CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4

Hydraulic Height

24

Drainage Area

0.07

Nid Storage

35

Structural Height

27

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

27
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.