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.
Wind
Humidity
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 |
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