Lake Shawnee Dam No. 1 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 18, 2025
Lake Shawnee Dam No.
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Summary
1, nestled in Vanderburgh County, Indiana, stands as a testament to the foresight of its designers, the USDA NRCS. Completed in 1968, this earth dam serves primarily for recreation purposes, offering a serene escape for water enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. With a dam height of 26 feet and a length of 1100 feet, the reservoir boasts a storage capacity of 289 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 44.6 acres.
Maintained by private owners, this dam is regulated by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity. While deemed to be in fair condition, the dam poses a significant hazard potential and is classified as having a high risk level (2). Despite this, the dam has no spillway and no outlet gates, hinting at the careful balance required to manage its water levels effectively.
Lake Shawnee Dam No. 1 remains a hidden gem within the landscape, offering not only recreational opportunities but also a vital water resource for the surrounding area. As climate change continues to impact water systems, the preservation and maintenance of such structures are essential to safeguarding our water supply and ecosystem health in the face of increasing risks and challenges.
Year Completed |
1968 |
Dam Length |
1100 |
Dam Height |
26 |
River Or Stream |
UNNAMED TRIBUTARY BLUEGRASS CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
44.6 |
Hydraulic Height |
26 |
Drainage Area |
0.67 |
Nid Storage |
289 |
Structural Height |
26 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
26 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Pigeon Creek Near Fort Branch
|
1cfs |
Big Creek Near Wadesville
|
1cfs |
Patoka River Near Princeton
|
732cfs |
Patoka River At Winslow
|
572cfs |
Wabash River At Mt. Carmel
|
6020cfs |
Wabash River At New Harmony
|
6160cfs |
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 Shawnee Dam No. 1