Hosea Lake Dam, located in Scott County, Indiana, is a privately owned earth dam built in 1940 by the USDA NRCS.
Wind
Humidity
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 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Hardy Lake State Rec Area
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Campground Gatehouse
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Clark State Forest
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Delaney Creek Park
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