Christmas Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 29, 2025

Christmas Lake Dam, located in Spencer, Indiana, stands as a vital structure along an unnamed tributary of Crooked Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1967, this private dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a surface area of 200 acres and a maximum storage capacity of 4,520 acre-feet. With a height of 42 feet and a spillway width of 130 feet, the dam presents a high hazard potential but is currently rated in fair condition as of its last assessment in 2006.

Managed by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Christmas Lake Dam undergoes regular inspections with a frequency of every two years. Despite its moderate risk rating, the dam's emergency action plan status, inundation maps, and risk management measures remain undisclosed. The dam's location in a picturesque setting underscores the importance of its preservation to sustain both the local ecosystem and recreational activities in the area. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Christmas Lake Dam stands as a significant example of human intervention in managing water resources for the benefit of the community.

Year Completed

1967

Dam Length

1750

Dam Height

42

River Or Stream

UNNAMED TRIBUTARY CROOKED CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

200

Hydraulic Height

37

Drainage Area

2.47

Nid Storage

4520

Structural Height

42

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

42
       
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.