Rocky Fork Lake Dam (Lower) Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 17, 2025
Rocky Fork Lake Dam (Lower) in Parke, Indiana, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1959 for recreational purposes.
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Summary
With a height of 63 feet and a length of 450 feet, the dam creates a storage capacity of 1,595 acre-feet and a surface area of 60 acres. The dam is situated on the Straight Branch river and is regulated by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, with regular inspections ensuring its structural integrity.
The dam's spillway, with a width of 20 feet, is uncontrolled, and its outlet gates consist of valves. Despite being classified as having significant hazard potential, the dam is currently in fair condition, as assessed in 2011. The dam's risk assessment is moderate, with a risk rating of 3, reflecting the need for ongoing risk management measures to ensure the safety of the surrounding area. Overall, Rocky Fork Lake Dam (Lower) serves as both a recreational feature and a crucial water resource infrastructure in Parke County, Indiana.
Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Rocky Fork Lake Dam (Lower) to be a fascinating structure, with its unique design by Mobile Drilling and Engineering, Inc. and its location in the Louisville District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. Despite its age, the dam continues to provide valuable storage and flood control benefits to the surrounding area. As efforts to maintain and improve the dam's safety continue, it remains an essential component of the region's water resource management and a testament to the importance of sustainable infrastructure development in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1959 |
Dam Length |
450 |
Dam Height |
63 |
River Or Stream |
STRAIGHT BRANCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
60 |
Hydraulic Height |
61 |
Drainage Area |
1.2 |
Nid Storage |
1595 |
Structural Height |
61 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
63 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Rocky Fork Lake Dam (Lower)