Spring Mill Park Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Orleans Lake Dam Ken Ray
Last Updated: December 23, 2025
Spring Mill Park Lake Dam, located in Lawrence County, Indiana, was completed in 1938 and serves as a key recreational feature in the area.
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Summary
The dam, with a height of 12 feet and a length of 75 feet, creates a lake with a surface area of 25.69 acres and a storage capacity of 317 acre-feet. The primary purpose of the dam is for recreation, providing opportunities for fishing, boating, and other water-based activities.
Despite its recreational value, the dam's condition assessment in 2013 rated it as poor, with a hazard potential of low. The last inspection in 2017 highlighted the need for improvements to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure. With a high risk assessment score of 2, there is a pressing need for risk management measures to be implemented to address any potential safety concerns. The dam is state-regulated and inspected, with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources overseeing its operation and enforcement.
While Spring Mill Park Lake Dam offers a picturesque setting for outdoor enthusiasts, its deteriorating condition and high-risk assessment underscore the importance of ongoing maintenance and safety upgrades to protect both the dam structure and the surrounding environment. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is crucial to advocate for the necessary resources and investments to ensure the long-term sustainability and safety of this vital recreational asset.
Year Completed |
1938 |
Dam Length |
75 |
Dam Height |
12 |
River Or Stream |
MILL CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
25.69 |
Hydraulic Height |
12 |
Drainage Area |
15 |
Nid Storage |
317 |
Structural Height |
12 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
12 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
East Fork White River Near Bedford
|
4450cfs |
West Fork Blue River At Salem
|
12cfs |
East Fork White River At Shoals
|
6370cfs |
Blue River At Fredericksburg
|
221cfs |
East Fork White River At Seymour Ind
|
1850cfs |
North Fork Salt Creek At Nashville
|
38cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Spring Mill Park Lake Dam
Junction Of North/South Forks Of Lost River To State Road 337 Bridge, Approx 4 Miles Southeast Of Orleans, In