Riley Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Riley Lake Dam, located in Bartholomew County, Indiana, is a private earth dam situated on an unnamed tributary of North Branch Wolf Creek.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 30 feet with a structural height of 35 feet and a length of 400 feet, the dam serves a crucial role in water resource management in the area. With a normal storage capacity of 22 acre-feet and a surface area of 3.5 acres, the dam plays a significant role in regulating water levels and protecting against potential flooding.

Despite its importance, Riley Lake Dam is currently in poor condition, as assessed in October 2012, with a significant hazard potential. The last inspection in April 2018 revealed the need for maintenance and potential upgrades to ensure the safety and efficacy of the structure. With a high risk level assigned to it, there is a pressing need for risk management measures to be implemented to mitigate any potential dangers associated with the dam. It is crucial that the relevant authorities take proactive steps to address the dam's condition and ensure its continued functionality.

With the dam being located in an area prone to natural disasters and with a significant hazard potential, the enforcement of regular inspections and maintenance is essential to prevent any potential disasters. Given its location and the surrounding topography, Riley Lake Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management and climate resilience in the region, highlighting the importance of proactive measures to safeguard its structural integrity and functionality for the future.

Dam Length

400

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

UNNAMED TRIBUTARY NORTH BRANCH WOLF CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3.5

Drainage Area

0.02

Nid Storage

22

Structural Height

35

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

35
       
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.