Cox Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Sunset Lake Dam Banks Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Cox Dam, located in Hendricks County, Indiana, is a private Earth dam completed in 1996 primarily for recreational purposes.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
With a dam height of 23.5 feet and a storage capacity of 339 acre-feet, this structure is situated on an unnamed tributary of the Sallust Branch. Despite being privately owned, the dam is regulated by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, with state inspections and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.
The dam's spillway, with a width of 30 feet, is uncontrolled, allowing for a maximum discharge of 255 cubic feet per second. The hazard potential of Cox Dam is considered significant, with a fair condition assessment as of October 2010. The risk assessment for the dam is moderate, highlighting the importance of ongoing risk management measures to protect the surrounding area from potential flooding events. While the dam's emergency action plan and inundation maps status are not provided, the regular inspections and maintenance efforts contribute to the overall safety and stability of Cox Dam for both recreational and environmental purposes.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in Cox Dam will find its location and design details, along with its risk assessment and condition assessment, to be key points of interest. The dam's role in providing recreational opportunities and its regulatory oversight by the state of Indiana add to its significance in the local water resource management landscape. Cox Dam serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining and monitoring dam infrastructure to ensure public safety and environmental protection in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1996 |
Dam Length |
3000 |
Dam Height |
23.5 |
River Or Stream |
UNNAMED TRIBUTARY SALLUST BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
41.1 |
Hydraulic Height |
27 |
Drainage Area |
0.32 |
Nid Storage |
339 |
Structural Height |
24 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
27 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Cox Dam