Depa Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Depa Dam, located in Bristol, Indiana, on Sweets Creek, is a privately owned earth dam with a height of 10 feet and a length of 150 feet.


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Summary

Completed in 1960, this dam serves multiple purposes, including flood control and water storage, with a normal storage capacity of 37 acre-feet and a maximum storage capacity of 65 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is currently in poor condition and has not been inspected since August 1995.

Managed by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, Depa Dam is regulated and permitted by the state, with regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity. The dam's spillway, with a width of 3 feet, is uncontrolled, and the risk assessment categorizes it as moderate. While the dam's emergency action plan and risk management measures are not fully documented, the dam continues to provide essential water resource management functions for the region.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Depa Dam presents an intriguing case study in the challenges of maintaining aging infrastructure to meet modern safety standards. With its historical significance and ongoing regulatory oversight, the dam serves as a reminder of the vital role that dams play in managing water resources and protecting communities from potential hazards. As discussions around climate change and water security continue to evolve, the future of Depa Dam and other similar structures will be closely monitored to ensure their continued safe operation and effective water management.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

150

Dam Height

10

River Or Stream

Sweets Creek

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

14

Hydraulic Height

10

Nid Storage

65

Structural Height

10

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

10
       
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.