J. Edward Roush Dam dam
J. Edward Roush Dam
The J. Edward Roush Dam, located in Huntington, Indiana, is a vital structure managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers to reduce flood risk along the Wabash River. Completed in 1968, this concrete dam stands at a structural height of 91 feet and has a storage capacity of 153,100 acre-feet. The dam serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction and also provides recreational opportunities for the local community.
Despite its risk management measures, the dam poses a high hazard potential, particularly during major high water events. The controlled spillway system helps regulate water releases to prevent potential flooding downstream to cities like Huntington, Andrews, Wabash, and Lafayette. However, the possibility of erosion or extreme rainfall events leading to a breach underscores the importance of continuous monitoring, emergency preparedness, and coordination with local authorities to mitigate the impact on downstream communities.
Overall, the J. Edward Roush Dam plays a crucial role in protecting both upstream and downstream areas from flood risks. Its strategic location and efficient risk management practices by the USACE are essential in ensuring the safety and resilience of surrounding communities in the face of potential natural disasters.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around J. Edward Roush Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Little River Near Huntington | 54 cfs | → |
| Salamonie River Near Warren | 66 cfs | → |
| Wabash River At Bluffton | 154 cfs | → |
| Wabash River At Wabash | 487 cfs | → |
| Wabash River Near Bluffton Indiana | -999,999 cfs | → |
| Eel River At North Manchester | 133 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near J. Edward Roush Dam.
Boat launches
- Huntington County
- Bloodroot Trail, Andrews
- South 700 West 5688, Andrews
- Tree Trail, Andrews
- Knight Road, Lagro
- County Road 250 South 6324-6398, Lagro
Campgrounds
- Kil-So-Quah - J. Edward Roush Lake
- Lake Clare Park Camp
- Mt. Etna State Rec Area
- Salamonie State Lake - Lost Bridge West Sra
- Lost Bridge State Rec Area - Salamonie Lake
- Wabash River Camp
Fishing spots
Track J. Edward Roush Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About J. Edward Roush Dam
Where does the data for J. Edward Roush Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the High hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of J. Edward Roush Dam.