Hidden Valley Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Hidden Valley Lake Dam, located in Brown County, Indiana, is a privately-owned structure that serves primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Completed in 1959, this earth dam stands at a height of 34 feet and has a storage capacity of 465 acre-feet. Situated on an unnamed tributary of the East Fork Salt Creek, the dam has a significant hazard potential with a high risk assessment rating of 2.

Despite its age, Hidden Valley Lake Dam remains in satisfactory condition as of the last assessment in 2012. The dam lacks a spillway and outlet gates, indicating potential challenges in managing water levels during periods of high discharge. The dam is regularly inspected every three years to ensure its structural integrity and overall safety.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in Hidden Valley Lake Dam will find its unique design and purpose intriguing. With its location in a picturesque setting and its critical role in providing recreational opportunities, this privately-owned dam serves as a reminder of the importance of proper management and maintenance of water infrastructure in safeguarding communities and ecosystems against potential risks posed by dam failures.

Year Completed

1959

Dam Length

400

Dam Height

34

River Or Stream

UNNAMED TRIBUTARY EAST FORK SALT CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

20.9

Hydraulic Height

29

Drainage Area

1.75

Nid Storage

465

Structural Height

34

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

34
       
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.