Tipton Lake West Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Tipton Lake West Dam, located in Bartholomew, Indiana, is a private-owned structure primarily used for recreation purposes.


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Summary

Built in 1982 by Dodson-Lindblom Associates, this earth dam stands at a height of 30 feet and has a hydraulic height of 29.7 feet. The dam spans 795 feet in length and impounds Denios Creek, providing a storage capacity of 1,413 acre-feet and a surface area of 115 acres.

With a high hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment as of October 2005, Tipton Lake West Dam is regulated by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections every two years. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 195 feet, capable of discharging a maximum of 1,582 cubic feet per second. Despite its moderate risk assessment, the dam has not been modified in recent years and lacks an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) meeting guidelines, raising concerns for emergency preparedness.

The dam's strategic location in the Louisville District and its association with Denios Creek make it a crucial water resource in Bartholomew County, Indiana. As enthusiasts of water resources and climate, understanding the infrastructure, regulation, and potential risks associated with Tipton Lake West Dam is essential for promoting sustainable water management practices and ensuring the safety of surrounding communities and ecosystems.

Year Completed

1982

Dam Length

795

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

DENIOS CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

115

Hydraulic Height

29.7

Drainage Area

0.7

Nid Storage

1413

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

30
       
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.