Upper Spring Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 17, 2025
Upper Spring Lake Dam, located in Waverly-Offstream, Indiana, is a privately owned earth dam with a primary purpose of recreation.
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Summary
Built in 1964 by the USDA NRCS, the dam stands at a height of 21.2 feet and spans 350 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 82 acre-feet. The dam is situated on the White River and serves as a popular recreational spot with a surface area of 5.67 acres for water enthusiasts.
Despite its recreational appeal, Upper Spring Lake Dam poses a high hazard potential due to its poor condition assessment. With a risk assessment rating of high (2), the dam is in need of significant maintenance and improvement to ensure the safety of surrounding communities in Morgan County, Indiana. The last inspection was conducted in 2002, highlighting the urgent need for updated assessments and risk management measures to mitigate potential hazards associated with the dam.
As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure, the maintenance and upkeep of dams like Upper Spring Lake Dam are crucial for ensuring the safety and sustainability of water systems. With state regulation, inspection, and enforcement in place, it is imperative that the dam owners and relevant agencies work together to address the poor condition assessment and high hazard potential of Upper Spring Lake Dam to safeguard the surrounding environment and communities from potential risks.
Year Completed |
1964 |
Dam Length |
350 |
Dam Height |
21.2 |
River Or Stream |
WHITE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5.67 |
Hydraulic Height |
21.2 |
Drainage Area |
0.45 |
Nid Storage |
82 |
Structural Height |
21 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
High |
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.
Upper Spring Lake Dam