Indiana Harbor Canal Confined Disposal Facility Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Indiana Harbor Canal Confined Disposal Facility (IHC CDF) in Indiana serves as a crucial structure for navigation and tailings purposes, managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers.


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Summary

Completed in 2011, the earth dam stands at 21 feet high and stretches over 8,777 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 2,100 acre-feet. Despite being classified as a high hazard potential structure, the facility is closely monitored and maintained by USACE to mitigate risks of potential failure modes.

To ensure the safety and integrity of the IHC CDF, various risk management measures are in place, including regular inspections, instrumentation monitoring, and an Emergency Action Plan. The facility undergoes annual engineering inspections, quarterly surveillance reports, and has implemented specific measures like regrading the crest, adding riprap for slope protection, and maintaining shallower pool levels to reduce erosion risks. Furthermore, the project has incorporated features in its expansion to enhance safety and provides dam safety training to staff and contractors, demonstrating a commitment to effective risk management to safeguard surrounding areas and prevent potential inundation in case of a breach.

Year Completed

2011

Dam Length

8777

Dam Height

21

River Or Stream

Lake George Branch of Indiana Harbor Canal

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

90.5

Hydraulic Height

18

Nid Storage

2100

Structural Height

21

Outlet Gates

None - 0

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

21
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.