Lake Santee Reservoir Report
Nearby: Jawacdah Farms Dam #3 Eder Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Lake Santee, located in Decatur, Indiana, is a private reservoir with a primary purpose of recreation.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
The earth dam, standing at 42.3 feet tall, was completed in 1965 and has a maximum storage capacity of 5750 acre-feet. The reservoir covers a surface area of 261 acres and has a drainage area of 4.6 square miles, with a normal storage level of 2710 acre-feet.
The dam is regulated by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and is inspected regularly to ensure its fair condition and significant hazard potential are properly managed. Despite its age, Lake Santee continues to attract water resource and climate enthusiasts due to its scenic beauty and recreational opportunities. With a high risk assessment rating of 2, the reservoir's risk management measures are crucial in maintaining the safety of the surrounding community and ecosystem.
Year Completed |
1965 |
Dam Length |
1010 |
Dam Height |
42.3 |
River Or Stream |
RIGHTHAND FORK SALT CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
261 |
Hydraulic Height |
40 |
Drainage Area |
4.6 |
Nid Storage |
5750 |
Structural Height |
42 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
42 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Whitewater River Near Alpine
|
124cfs |
Whitewater River At Brookville
|
471cfs |
Flatrock River At St. Paul
|
86cfs |
Clifty Creek At Hartsville
|
27cfs |
Brush Creek Near Nebraska
|
2cfs |
Big Blue River At Shelbyville
|
115cfs |
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.
Lake Santee