Lower Spring Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 17, 2025
Lower Spring Lake Dam, located in Waverly-Offstream, Indiana, is a private recreational earth dam completed in 1963 by the USDA NRCS.
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Summary
The dam, standing at 21 feet in height with a length of 395 feet, serves as a source of recreation with a storage capacity of 103 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 65 acre-feet. The dam is situated on TR-Sinking Creek and White River, within the Louisville District of the US Army Corps of Engineers jurisdiction.
Despite its recreational value, Lower Spring Lake Dam is currently in poor condition with an undetermined hazard potential. The last inspection conducted on the dam was in October 1999, raising concerns about its structural integrity and safety. With no state regulation, inspection, or enforcement in place, the dam's maintenance and upkeep fall solely on its private owner. The dam's condition assessment in 2002 further highlights the urgent need for rehabilitation and maintenance to ensure the safety of the surrounding community and ecosystem.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the critical importance of dam safety and maintenance is key to preserving our natural landscapes and protecting communities from potential hazards. Lower Spring Lake Dam serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced in managing and maintaining aging infrastructure, highlighting the need for proactive measures to address deteriorating conditions and ensure the long-term sustainability of our water resources.
Year Completed |
1963 |
Dam Length |
395 |
Dam Height |
21 |
River Or Stream |
TR-SINKING CREEK,WHITE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7 |
Hydraulic Height |
21 |
Drainage Area |
1 |
Nid Storage |
103 |
Hazard Potential |
Undetermined |
Nid Height |
21 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Lower Spring Lake Dam