Puff Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Puff Lake Dam, located in Bartholomew County, Indiana, is a state-owned structure built in 1988 on Muddy Branch Creek with a primary purpose classified as 'Other'.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 33.5 feet, with a hydraulic height of 29.7 feet and a structural height of 42 feet. The dam has a length of 950 feet, a storage capacity of 1807 acre-feet, and a surface area of 111.7 acres. Despite its significant storage capacity, the dam has a low hazard potential but is currently in poor condition, as assessed in 2018.

Even though Puff Lake Dam does not have a spillway, it has a maximum discharge capacity of 500 cubic feet per second. The dam is under the regulatory jurisdiction of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and undergoes regular state inspections, permitting, and enforcement. The last inspection was conducted in April 2018, revealing a poor condition assessment. Despite the high risk level associated with the dam, appropriate risk management measures are yet to be specified.

With its location in the Louisville District and under the ownership of the state of Indiana, Puff Lake Dam serves as a critical infrastructure for water resource management in the region. Climate and water resource enthusiasts may find interest in monitoring the condition and risk assessment of this dam, as well as the potential implications for the surrounding environment and communities in the event of a failure.

Year Completed

1988

Dam Length

950

Dam Height

33.5

River Or Stream

MUDDY BRANCH CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

111.7

Hydraulic Height

29.7

Drainage Area

1.35

Nid Storage

1807

Structural Height

42

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

42
       
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.