Bella Lake West Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Bella Lake East Dam Farmer Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 21, 2025
Bella Lake West Dam, located in Vermillion, Indiana, is a privately owned structure designed by Luther Engineering & Design to primarily serve the purpose of flood risk reduction along Brouilletts Creek.
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Summary
Completed in 1994, this earth dam stands at a height of 55 feet and stretches 300 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 39 acre-feet and a surface area of 1.7 acres. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is currently assessed to be in poor condition as of March 2013.
Managed by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Bella Lake West Dam has state jurisdiction and is subject to regular inspections, permitting, and enforcement. The dam lacks a spillway, outlet gates, and locks, with no maximum discharge specified. The last inspection was conducted in February 2018, with a recommended inspection frequency of every 5 years. Although the dam's risk assessment is considered high, with a rating of 2, there is minimal information available regarding specific risk management measures or emergency action plans in place.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in Bella Lake West Dam can appreciate its crucial role in mitigating flood risks in the area while acknowledging the need for improved maintenance and risk management strategies. As a key infrastructure along Brouilletts Creek, this dam serves as a reminder of the importance of proactive monitoring and upkeep to ensure the safety and resilience of water systems in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1994 |
Dam Length |
300 |
Dam Height |
55 |
River Or Stream |
BROUILLETTS CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
1.7 |
Drainage Area |
0.02 |
Nid Storage |
39 |
Structural Height |
55 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
55 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Big Raccoon Creek At Coxville
|
128cfs |
Wabash River At Terre Haute
|
2190cfs |
Wabash River At Montezuma
|
2050cfs |
Eel River At Bowling Green
|
145cfs |
Big Raccoon Creek Near Fincastle Ind
|
89cfs |
Vermilion River Near Danville
|
34cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Bella Lake West Dam