Dale Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Santa Claus Lake Dam Lake Noel Dam
Last Updated: December 29, 2025
Dale Lake Dam, located in Spencer, Indiana, is a local government-owned structure built in 1957 for recreational purposes.
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Summary
The dam, standing at a height of 40 feet with a structural height of 41 feet, impounds an unnamed tributary of Little Pigeon Creek to create Dale Lake. With a maximum storage capacity of 507 acre-feet and a normal storage capacity of 314 acre-feet, the dam covers a surface area of 39 acres and serves as a fish and wildlife pond for the surrounding area.
Despite its recreational benefits, Dale Lake Dam poses a high hazard potential and has been assessed as being in poor condition, with the last inspection in 2019 revealing areas of concern. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 54 feet and an outlet consisting of a valve. While the risk assessment for the dam is moderate, there are no specific risk management measures or emergency action plan in place, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure for both the environment and the community.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the data on Dale Lake Dam underscores the importance of proper infrastructure management and maintenance to mitigate potential risks and ensure the long-term sustainability of water resources. The dam's location within the Louisville District and its regulation by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) further emphasize the interconnectedness of water management efforts at the local and state levels in safeguarding against environmental hazards and promoting responsible water usage in the region.
Year Completed |
1957 |
Dam Length |
565 |
Dam Height |
40 |
River Or Stream |
UNNAMED TRIBUTARY LITTLE PIGEON CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
39 |
Hydraulic Height |
40 |
Drainage Area |
1.29 |
Nid Storage |
507 |
Structural Height |
41 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
41 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Middle Fork Anderson River At Bristow
|
30cfs |
Patoka River At Jasper
|
166cfs |
Patoka River At Winslow
|
170cfs |
Ohio River At Cannelton Dam At Cannelton
|
101000cfs |
White River Above Petersburg
|
1220cfs |
White River At Petersburg
|
4480cfs |
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.
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Lincoln State Park
Dubois County Park
Ferdinand State Forest
Dale Lake Dam