Ortwein Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Ortwein Dam, located in Dearborn County, Indiana, was completed in 1989 and stands at a height of 57 feet with a length of 480 feet.


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Summary

Owned privately by Michael Ortwein, this earth dam serves primarily for recreational purposes. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam has not been rated for its condition assessment.

While the dam is state-regulated and inspected, with enforcement and permitting in place by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, its emergency action plan readiness and risk management measures remain unspecified. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled, and it does not have outlet gates. With a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, Ortwein Dam presents a significant opportunity for enthusiasts of water resources and climate to explore and analyze the intersection of infrastructure, regulation, and recreational use in the context of environmental sustainability and risk mitigation.

As a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts, Ortwein Dam offers a unique case study in private ownership of critical infrastructure and the importance of state regulation and inspection in ensuring public safety. With its location in a high-risk area and limited information on emergency preparedness and risk management measures, the dam presents an intriguing opportunity for further research and analysis in the realm of water resource management and climate adaptation strategies. Exploring the complexities of dam ownership, regulation, and maintenance at Ortwein Dam can provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing water resource management in the context of climate change and increasing infrastructure vulnerabilities.

Year Completed

1989

Dam Length

480

Dam Height

57

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Drainage Area

1.66

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

57
       
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.