Lake Latonka Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Latonka Dam, also known as Ponderosa Lake Dam, is a private dam located in Marshall, Indiana, completed in 1964 for recreational purposes.


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Summary

The dam stands at 24 feet high with a hydraulic height of 18 feet, spanning 1931 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 754 acre-feet and a surface area of 100 acres, the dam regulates the flow of Harry Cool Ditch, serving as a popular recreational spot in the area.

Despite its primary purpose for recreation, Lake Latonka Dam poses a high hazard potential with a poor condition assessment, last evaluated in June 2006. The dam has a moderate risk rating and is inspected biennially to ensure public safety. As a privately owned structure, the dam's maintenance and enforcement fall under the jurisdiction of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, with state regulations and permitting in place for continued operation and inspections.

With its picturesque setting and significant role in water resource management, Lake Latonka Dam remains a focal point for water and climate enthusiasts. Its unique design as an earth dam with stone core and soil foundation adds to its historical and environmental significance. As efforts continue to maintain and safeguard this vital infrastructure, the dam stands as a testament to the intersection of human recreation and natural resource conservation in the heart of Indiana's water landscape.

Year Completed

1964

Dam Length

1931

Dam Height

24

River Or Stream

HARRY COOL DITCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

100

Hydraulic Height

18

Drainage Area

5

Nid Storage

754

Structural Height

24

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

24
       
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.