Kopp Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Kopp Lake Dam, located in Saint Marys, Indiana, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS, with a primary purpose of water supply.
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Summary
Completed in 1966, this earth dam stands at a height of 28 feet and spans 475 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 100 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, the dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.
Situated on an unnamed tributary of Pipe Creek, Kopp Lake Dam not only serves as a water source but also offers recreational opportunities to the community. With a surface area of 7 acres and a drainage area of 0.1 square miles, the dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 283 cubic feet per second. The dam lacks a spillway and outlet gates, but its risk assessment indicates a high risk level, emphasizing the importance of effective risk management measures to ensure safety and integrity.
While Kopp Lake Dam has not been modified since its completion, regular inspections every five years help to monitor its condition and safety. The dam's emergency action plan status and inundation maps remain unclear, highlighting the need for continued preparedness and adherence to guidelines. Overall, Kopp Lake Dam stands as a vital water resource infrastructure in Franklin County, serving both practical and recreational purposes while requiring diligent regulatory oversight and risk management practices.
Year Completed |
1966 |
Dam Length |
475 |
Dam Height |
28 |
River Or Stream |
UNNAMED TRIBUTARY PIPE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7 |
Hydraulic Height |
28 |
Drainage Area |
0.1 |
Nid Storage |
100 |
Structural Height |
28 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
28 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Kopp Lake Dam