Tipton Lake North Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Tipton Lake North Dam, located in Bartholomew County, Indiana, stands as a significant structure designed by Dodson-Lindblom Associates in 1982.


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Summary

The dam, primarily used for recreation, has a height of 33 feet and a length of 1800 feet, providing a storage capacity of 1413 acre-feet of water. The dam sits on an unnamed tributary of Wolf Creek and is regulated by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, ensuring proper inspection and enforcement measures are in place.

With a spillway width of 195 feet and a hazard potential rated as high, the dam poses potential risks that are closely monitored. Despite the moderate risk assessment, the condition of the dam is deemed satisfactory as of the last assessment in 2005. Regular inspections are conducted every two years to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure. The dam's emergency action plan status and risk management measures remain unspecified, suggesting the need for continual assessment and preparedness in case of unforeseen events.

Tipton Lake North Dam serves as a vital recreational asset in the area, offering opportunities for water-based activities and wildlife habitat enhancement. As a private-owned structure, its importance extends beyond its primary purpose to the broader community and ecosystem. The dam's location and features make it a notable point of interest for water resource and climate enthusiasts, highlighting the intersection of human infrastructure and natural resource management in a dynamic environment like that of Bartholomew County, Indiana.

Year Completed

1982

Dam Length

1800

Dam Height

33

River Or Stream

UNNAMED TRIBUTARY WOLF CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

115

Drainage Area

0.7

Nid Storage

1413

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

33
       
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.