Usi Student Residence Complex Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

The Usi Student Residence Complex Lake Dam, also known as the Usi New Dam Lake, is a privately owned structure in Vanderburgh, Indiana.


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Summary

Built in 2004 by Dennis Verkamp and other designers, this earth-type dam stands at a height of 28 feet and serves primarily for recreational purposes. The dam spans 600 feet in length and holds a storage capacity of 98 acre-feet, with a surface area of 5.8 acres and a drainage area of 0.08 square miles.

Situated on an unnamed tributary of Bayou Creek, the dam has a spillway width of 48 feet and is equipped with valve outlet gates. With a high hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, the dam underwent its last inspection in June 2015 and was found to be in satisfactory condition. While it remains under state regulation and receives regular inspections, the dam poses a potential risk that necessitates careful monitoring and management to ensure the safety of surrounding areas and residents.

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find the Usi Student Residence Complex Lake Dam a fascinating structure that combines engineering ingenuity with environmental considerations. As a vital component of the local landscape in Indiana, this dam serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between human development and natural ecosystems, highlighting the importance of sustainable practices in managing water resources for future generations.

Year Completed

2004

Dam Length

600

Dam Height

28

River Or Stream

UNNAMED TRIBUTARY BAYOU CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5.8

Hydraulic Height

27

Drainage Area

0.08

Nid Storage

98

Structural Height

31

Outlet Gates

Valve

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

31
       
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.