C.J. Rust Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

C.J.


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Summary

Rust Lake Dam in Indiana, completed in 1974, stands as a significant earth dam with a hydraulic height of 62 feet and a structural height of 62 feet. Serving primarily for recreation, this dam boasts a normal storage capacity of 628 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 844 acre-feet. Located on an unnamed tributary of Little Salt Creek in Jackson County, this dam covers a surface area of 35.1 acres and has a drainage area of 0.31 square miles.

Managed by a private entity, C.J. Rust Lake Dam is regulated by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, with permitting, inspection, and enforcement activities conducted by the state agency. The dam's hazard potential is categorized as significant, with a fair condition assessment as of 2013. Despite the lack of a spillway, the dam's maximum discharge capacity reaches 979 cubic feet per second, emphasizing the importance of its risk management measures. With a congressman representing the area as Trey Hollingsworth (R), the dam's location in Kurtz, Indiana, adds to its appeal for water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in its impact on the surrounding environment and community.

Year Completed

1974

Dam Length

600

Dam Height

58

River Or Stream

UNNAMED TRIBUTARY LITTLE SALT CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

35.1

Hydraulic Height

62

Drainage Area

0.31

Nid Storage

844

Structural Height

62

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

62
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.