Oakland City New Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Oakland City New Lake Dam, located in Gibson County, Indiana, is a vital structure for water supply and recreation purposes.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Completed in 1935, this earth dam stands at 26 feet high and stretches 1200 feet in length, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 978 acre-feet. The dam is situated on the South Fork Patoka River, serving as a crucial source of water for the surrounding area.

Despite its importance, the Oakland City New Lake Dam has a poor condition assessment and a high-risk potential, indicating the need for maintenance and risk management measures. The dam lacks a spillway and outlet gates, which could potentially pose challenges in managing water levels and discharge during periods of high flow. With a low hazard potential, the dam still requires regular inspections and potentially an emergency action plan to address any unforeseen issues.

As a local government-owned structure, the Oakland City New Lake Dam plays a critical role in water resource management and recreational activities in the region. It is regulated by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure public safety. Despite its age and condition, the dam continues to provide essential services to the community while highlighting the need for ongoing maintenance and risk mitigation efforts.

Year Completed

1935

Dam Length

1200

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

SOUTH FORK PATOKA RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

77.19

Hydraulic Height

26

Drainage Area

0.7

Nid Storage

978

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.
View more

Area Campgrounds