Old Holland Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: New Holland Lake Dam Lake William Dam
Last Updated: January 12, 2026
Old Holland Lake Dam, located in Dubois, Indiana, was completed in 1942 and serves as a crucial infrastructure for water supply purposes.
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Summary
The dam, standing at a height of 24 feet with a length of 580 feet, holds a maximum storage capacity of 196 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 16 acres. Despite its significant hazard potential and poor condition assessment, the dam has been regulated, inspected, and permitted by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.
The dam, situated on an unnamed tributary of Sugar Creek, has a high risk assessment level of 2, indicating the need for vigilant risk management measures. With no spillway and outlet gates, the dam's emergency action plan status and inundation maps preparedness remain unclear. The inspection frequency of the dam is set at every three years, with the last assessment conducted in February 2019. As an earth-type structure, Old Holland Lake Dam requires ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its continued functionality and safety for the surrounding community.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Old Holland Lake Dam presents a case study in the intersection of aging infrastructure, environmental impact, and public safety. The dam's history, design specifications, and current risk assessment highlight the importance of proactive management and investment in maintaining critical water supply systems. As discussions around climate change and water resource management continue to evolve, the condition of dams like Old Holland Lake serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges and opportunities in sustainable infrastructure development.
Year Completed |
1942 |
Dam Length |
580 |
Dam Height |
24 |
River Or Stream |
UNNAMED TRIBUTARY SUGAR CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
16 |
Hydraulic Height |
24 |
Drainage Area |
0.29 |
Nid Storage |
196 |
Structural Height |
24 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
24 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Patoka River At Winslow
|
755cfs |
Patoka River At Jasper
|
158cfs |
Middle Fork Anderson River At Bristow
|
4cfs |
White River Above Petersburg
|
1220cfs |
White River At Petersburg
|
6820cfs |
Pigeon Creek Near Fort Branch
|
3cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
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Old Holland Lake Dam