Versailles Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Versailles Lake Dam in Indiana, completed in 1956 by the Indiana Department of Conservation, serves as a vital water supply structure on Laughery Creek.


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Summary

With a height of 56.5 feet and a length of 934 feet, this earth dam provides a storage capacity of 5,788 acre-feet and a surface area of 211 acres. Despite its significant contribution to water supply and recreation, the dam is classified as having a high hazard potential and is currently in poor condition.

Located in Ripley County, Indiana, the dam's spillway type is uncontrolled with a width of 240 feet, capable of handling a maximum discharge of 65,000 cubic feet per second. The dam is state-regulated and inspected regularly by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, with a hazard rating of moderate (3). Given its importance and potential risks, efforts are needed to improve the dam's condition and ensure it meets safety guidelines to protect downstream communities and the environment.

Versailles Lake Dam stands as a key water resource infrastructure in Indiana, highlighting the importance of proactive maintenance and risk management. With its historical significance and impact on the local ecosystem, stakeholders must prioritize necessary upgrades and maintenance to enhance the dam's resilience and safety for future generations.

Year Completed

1956

Dam Length

934

Dam Height

56.5

River Or Stream

LAUGHERY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

211

Hydraulic Height

56.5

Drainage Area

168

Nid Storage

5788

Structural Height

65

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate)

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

65
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.