Thomas Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 17, 2025

Thomas Lake Dam, located in Putnam County, Indiana, is a significant Earth dam completed in 1938 with a height of 38 feet and a length of 900 feet.


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Summary

The dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, creating a storage capacity of 311 acre-feet and covering a surface area of 14.6 acres. It regulates the flow of Snake Creek and has a maximum discharge capacity of 649 cubic feet per second.

Despite its age, Thomas Lake Dam has been identified as having a poor condition assessment and a significant hazard potential. The dam is state-regulated by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, with regular inspections conducted every three years. The dam's emergency action plan and risk management measures remain unreported, leaving some uncertainties about its safety and future maintenance needs.

With its historical significance and critical role in local water resource management, Thomas Lake Dam stands as a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in dam infrastructure and its impact on the surrounding environment. As discussions continue surrounding the dam's maintenance and potential risk mitigation strategies, stakeholders are urged to stay engaged in ensuring the dam's safety and longevity for both recreational and environmental purposes.

Year Completed

1938

Dam Length

900

Dam Height

38

River Or Stream

SNAKE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

14.6

Hydraulic Height

38

Drainage Area

0.62

Nid Storage

311

Structural Height

38

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

38
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.