Pfau Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Pfau Lake Dam, located in Nashville, Indiana, was completed in 1972 by the USDA NRCS for the primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

The earth dam stands at a height of 34 feet and spans 310 feet, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 215 acre-feet. The dam is situated on an unnamed tributary of North Fork Salt Creek and is owned and regulated by a private entity, with oversight from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.

Despite its recreational value, Pfau Lake Dam has been assessed as being in poor condition, with a significant hazard potential. The last inspection in 2018 revealed the need for improvements, and the dam is identified as having a high risk level. With a drainage area of 0.62 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 830 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.

Given its condition and risk assessment, Pfau Lake Dam serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by water resource managers in maintaining infrastructure to protect communities and the environment. Climate enthusiasts will find this dam's story to be a compelling example of the ongoing effort to balance recreation and safety in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1972

Dam Length

310

Dam Height

34

River Or Stream

UNNAMED TRIBUTARY NORTH FORK SALT CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10

Drainage Area

0.62

Nid Storage

215

Outlet Gates

Valve

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

34
       
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.