Perkinson Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Perkinson Lake Dam, located in Lexington, Indiana, stands as a vital water resource structure designed by the USDA NRCS with a primary purpose of water supply.


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Summary

Completed in 1970, this earth dam boasts a height of 21.8 feet and a hydraulic height of 26 feet, serving as a crucial component for managing water resources in the region. With a storage capacity of 69 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.17 square miles, this dam plays a key role in maintaining the surrounding ecosystem and recreational areas.

Despite its importance, Perkinson Lake Dam faces challenges in terms of its condition assessment, marked as poor during the last inspection in December 2015. The dam has a low hazard potential but a high risk assessment rating of 2, necessitating further attention and potential risk management measures to ensure the safety and functionality of the structure. While the dam lacks a spillway and outlet gates, it remains a significant feature in the local landscape, contributing to fish and wildlife preservation, recreation, and water supply for the community.

As a privately owned structure regulated by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Perkinson Lake Dam symbolizes the intersection of water resource management and climate considerations. With a risk assessment indicating potential vulnerabilities and a condition assessment highlighting areas for improvement, stakeholders must prioritize maintenance and monitoring efforts to safeguard this essential water supply infrastructure. The dam's role in supporting various purposes, from recreation to environmental conservation, underscores the importance of proactive management and investment in sustainable water resource practices.

Year Completed

1970

Dam Length

270

Dam Height

21.8

River Or Stream

UNNAMED TRIBUTARY LITTLE CANEY FORK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6

Hydraulic Height

26

Drainage Area

0.17

Nid Storage

69

Structural Height

26

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

26
       
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.