Rice Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Rice Lake Dam, located in Porter, Indiana, is a privately owned structure built in 1944 for recreational purposes.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 13 feet and stretches 400 feet in length, creating a surface area of 17.03 acres and holding a normal storage capacity of 51 acre-feet. Situated on an unnamed tributary of the Little Calumet River, the dam is regulated by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement.

Despite its significant hazard potential and poor condition assessment, Rice Lake Dam continues to attract water resource and climate enthusiasts due to its scenic location and recreational opportunities. The dam's uncontrolled spillway type poses a risk, but with a moderate risk assessment rating, there is potential for improvement in risk management measures. The last inspection in 2017 revealed the dam's need for attention, highlighting the importance of regular maintenance and monitoring to ensure public safety and environmental protection in the area.

As one of the few dams in the region designed for recreation, Rice Lake Dam serves as both a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and a subject of interest for water resource and climate advocates. With its historical significance dating back to the mid-20th century, the dam's current state raises questions about its long-term sustainability and the necessity for proactive management to address safety concerns and preserve its ecological impact on the surrounding watershed.

Year Completed

1944

Dam Length

400

Dam Height

13

River Or Stream

UNNAMED TRIBUTARY LITTLE CALUMET RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

17.03

Drainage Area

2.71

Nid Storage

200

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

13
       
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.