Cottonwood Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Floyd Lowe Dam Morrison Pond Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Located in Decatur, Indiana, Cottonwood Lake Dam is a privately owned structure with a significant hazard potential.
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Summary
Completed in 2002 by Regional Services Crop., this earth dam stands at a height of 55 feet and spans 1200 feet in length, creating a storage capacity of 650 acre-feet. The dam regulates an unnamed tributary of Sand Creek and is under the regulatory authority of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.
With a fair condition assessment as of December 2010, Cottonwood Lake Dam is inspected every three years to ensure its structural integrity. The dam features a valve outlet gate and an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 100 feet. Despite its moderate risk classification, the dam has a normal storage capacity of 525 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 28 acres. Its location in a rural area highlights the importance of proper maintenance and emergency preparedness measures.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the details and significance of dams like Cottonwood Lake Dam is crucial for ensuring the safety and sustainability of our water infrastructure. By recognizing the potential risks and management measures associated with structures like this, we can work towards safeguarding our water resources and mitigating the impacts of climate change on our communities.
Year Completed |
2002 |
Dam Length |
1200 |
Dam Height |
55 |
River Or Stream |
UNNAMED TRIBUTARY SAND CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
28 |
Drainage Area |
0.23 |
Nid Storage |
650 |
Structural Height |
55 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
55 |
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.
Cottonwood Lake Dam