White Oak Lake Dam No. 1 (East) Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 23, 2025

White Oak Lake Dam No.


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Summary

1 (East) in Indiana, completed in 1935, stands as a vital structure along the South Fork Smalls Creek. With a primary purpose of recreation, this earth dam boasts a height of 15 feet and a length of 600 feet, providing storage capacity of 309 acre-feet. Despite its age, the dam is state-regulated, inspected, and enforced by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, ensuring its safety and functionality for water resource and climate enthusiasts.

However, recent assessments have indicated a significant hazard potential and poor condition of the dam, with a risk assessment rating it as high. The last inspection in June 2020 revealed the need for improvements, with a frequency of inspections every 3 years. Emergency action plans and risk management measures are lacking, raising concerns about the dam's ability to withstand potential disasters. It is crucial for stakeholders to address these issues promptly to mitigate risks and ensure the safety of the surrounding community and environment.

Year Completed

1935

Dam Length

600

Dam Height

9

River Or Stream

SOUTH FORK SMALLS CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

15

Drainage Area

1.62

Nid Storage

309

Structural Height

15

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

15
       
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.