Hosea Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Hosea Lake Dam, located in Scott County, Indiana, is a privately owned earth dam built in 1940 by the USDA NRCS.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 19 feet and with a hydraulic height of 16 feet, the dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a surface area of 6 acres and a storage capacity of 55 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential and current "Not Rated" condition assessment, the dam has not been inspected since June 1966.

The dam, situated offstream on Big Ox Creek, falls under the jurisdiction of the Louisville District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. With no state regulation, permitting, or inspection in place, the responsibility for the maintenance and safety of Hosea Lake Dam lies solely with its private owner. While the dam's emergency action plan status and risk assessment remain unclear, its historical significance and potential impact on the surrounding environment make it a point of interest for water resource and climate enthusiasts.

As climate change continues to pose challenges to water resource management, the importance of properly maintaining and monitoring structures like Hosea Lake Dam becomes increasingly vital. With its recreational function and potential impact on the local ecosystem, the dam serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for proactive measures to ensure the safety and sustainability of our water resources in the face of a changing climate.

Year Completed

1940

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

19

River Or Stream

OFFSTREAM-BIG OX CR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6

Hydraulic Height

16

Nid Storage

55

Structural Height

16

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

19
       
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.