Chrisney Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 30, 2025

Chrisney Lake Dam in Indiana is a significant earth dam completed in 1960, standing at a height of 15 feet and stretching 700 feet in length.


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Summary

Located on the Unnamed East Fork Pigeon Creek #1, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area, with a storage capacity of 123 acre-feet. The dam's hazard potential is classified as significant, with a fair condition assessment as of 2012.

Despite its fair condition, Chrisney Lake Dam is subject to regular inspections, with the last one conducted in January 2018. The dam is under state regulation, with permits and inspections in place to ensure its safety and compliance. While it currently lacks spillway infrastructure, the dam's risk assessment indicates a high level of risk, prompting the need for ongoing risk management measures.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Chrisney Lake Dam an intriguing structure, situated in the picturesque Spencer, Indiana. With its history dating back to the 1960s and its crucial role in water management, this dam provides a fascinating case study in dam engineering and the challenges of balancing water resource needs with safety and environmental concerns.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

700

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

UNNAMED EAST FORK PIGEON CREEK #1

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

20

Hydraulic Height

15

Drainage Area

0.4

Nid Storage

123

Structural Height

15

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

15
       
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.