Lake Of The Woods Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake of The Woods Dam, also known as Sagers Lake, is a privately owned structure located in Porter, Indiana.


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Summary

Completed in 1937, this earth dam stands at 22 feet high and spans 300 feet in length, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 237 acre-feet. The dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a surface area of 20.41 acres for visitors to enjoy various water activities.

Despite its scenic appeal, Lake of The Woods Dam poses a high hazard potential due to its poor condition assessment. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 6 feet, and it is situated along an unnamed tributary of Salt Creek. Although it is regulated by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and undergoes inspections every two years, the last condition assessment was conducted in 2006, raising concerns about its maintenance and safety standards.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts are drawn to Lake of The Woods Dam for its recreational offerings and picturesque setting, but its high hazard potential and poor condition assessment underscore the importance of regular maintenance and monitoring. With a moderate risk assessment rating, the dam's risk management measures and emergency action plans need to be updated to ensure the safety of surrounding communities and visitors. As discussions around climate change and water resource management continue, the attention on structures like Lake of The Woods Dam becomes crucial in preserving both the environment and public safety.

Year Completed

1937

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

22

River Or Stream

UNNAMED TRIBUTARY SALT CREEK

Surface Area

20.41

Hydraulic Height

21

Drainage Area

4.34

Nid Storage

237

Structural Height

22

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

22
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.