Lottes Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lottes Lake Dam, located in Dubois, Indiana, is a privately owned structure on the Patoka River with a significant hazard potential and poor condition assessment.


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Summary

Built in 1937, the earth dam stands at a height of 23 feet and has a length of 630 feet, providing a normal storage capacity of 109 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 153 acre-feet. Despite its age, the dam has undergone regular state inspections and is regulated by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, with state permitting and enforcement in place to ensure safety and compliance.

The dam, with no spillway and outlet gates, presents a high risk level (2) and has a history of modifications or improvements. The latest inspection in January 2019 revealed its poor condition, prompting the need for frequent inspections every three years. The dam's emergency action plan and risk management measures have not been fully documented, suggesting a potential area for improvement to mitigate risks and ensure proper preparedness in case of emergencies. Climate and water resource enthusiasts would find the data on Lottes Lake Dam intriguing due to its historical significance, structural characteristics, and regulatory oversight in the context of maintaining water resource resilience in Indiana.

Year Completed

1937

Dam Length

630

Dam Height

23

River Or Stream

PATOKA RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

13

Hydraulic Height

23

Drainage Area

0.1

Nid Storage

153

Structural Height

23

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

23
       
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.