Forest Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Forest Lake Dam, located in Hendricks County, Indiana, was completed in 1945 primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

This private Earth dam stands at a height of 19 feet and spans 250 feet in length, creating a storage capacity of 64 acre-feet. With a surface area of 4.94 acres and a drainage area of 0.32 square miles, the dam serves as a significant hazard potential due to its age and condition being unrated.

Despite being categorized as a private structure, Forest Lake Dam does not fall under state jurisdiction, regulation, or inspection. With no designated state agency overseeing its operations or enforcing compliance, the dam's risk assessment and management measures remain unaddressed. The last recorded inspection dates back to June 1993, highlighting the need for updated evaluations and emergency action plans to ensure public safety and protection of the surrounding environment in the face of changing climate patterns and water resource challenges.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Forest Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study of a privately owned recreational dam with limited oversight and maintenance. As concerns grow over aging infrastructure and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, the need for proactive risk assessment, emergency preparedness, and sustainable management practices becomes ever more crucial to safeguarding the integrity of such vital water resources in the face of uncertain future conditions.

Year Completed

1945

Dam Length

250

Dam Height

19

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4.94

Drainage Area

0.32

Nid Storage

64

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

19
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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Nearby Streamflow Levels

Forest Lake DamEAGLE CREEK BELOW RESERVOIR AT INDIANAPOLIS Preview Eagle Creek Below Reservoir At Indianapolis
14.0cfs
14cfs
Forest Lake DamEAGLE CREEK AT ZIONSVILLE Preview Eagle Creek At Zionsville
16.0cfs
16cfs
Forest Lake DamCROOKED CREEK AT INDIANAPOLIS Preview Crooked Creek At Indianapolis
4.34cfs
4cfs
Forest Lake DamEAGLE CREEK AT INDIANAPOLIS Preview Eagle Creek At Indianapolis
23.0cfs
23cfs
Forest Lake DamLITTLE EAGLE CREEK AT SPEEDWAY Preview Little Eagle Creek At Speedway
10.3cfs
10cfs
Forest Lake DamFALL CREEK AT 16TH STREET AT INDIANAPOLIS Preview Fall Creek At 16th Street At Indianapolis
27.2cfs
27cfs

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.
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Nearby Reservoirs