Lake Lasalle Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Lasalle Dam, located in Brown, Indiana, is a privately owned structure built in 1963 for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Sitting on Big Thunder Creek, this earth dam stands at 34 feet high with a length of 450 feet, offering a storage capacity of 808 acre-feet. Despite its fair condition assessment, the dam poses a high hazard potential, prompting regular inspections and maintenance to ensure public safety.

The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 150 feet and an outlet gate for water release. With a maximum discharge capacity of 7,021 cubic feet per second, the dam serves as a crucial water resource for the surrounding area. Although the risk assessment is moderate, the dam's location and design call for ongoing risk management measures to prevent potential disasters.

Lake Lasalle Dam, under the regulatory oversight of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, is a significant asset in the region, providing not only recreational opportunities but also vital water storage and management functions. With its strategic position and high hazard potential, the dam serves as a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts, highlighting the importance of sustainable infrastructure development and risk mitigation strategies in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1963

Dam Length

450

Dam Height

34

River Or Stream

BIG THUNDER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

35

Hydraulic Height

34

Drainage Area

1.39

Nid Storage

808

Structural Height

34

Outlet Gates

Valve

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

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.