Lake Geneva Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
The Lake Geneva Dam in Switzerland County, Indiana, stands as a vital structure regulating the flow of the Upper Indian Creek.
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Summary
Completed in 1944, this earth dam reaches a height of 30 feet and spans 460 feet in length, providing essential recreational opportunities and storing 303 acre-feet of water. Despite its significant role in water management, the dam's condition assessment in 2009 rated as poor, with a high hazard potential, prompting the need for regular inspections and potential risk management measures.
Situated in a picturesque location with a surface area of 18.55 acres, the Lake Geneva Dam boasts an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 16 feet, capable of discharging up to 444 cubic feet per second. However, with a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, there is a pressing need for improved emergency action plans and potential upgrades to meet safety guidelines. Given its high hazard potential and the surrounding community's reliance on its services, the Lake Geneva Dam serves as a critical infrastructure requiring ongoing attention and maintenance to ensure its continued functionality and safety for all water resource and climate enthusiasts in the area.
As the Louisville District oversees the operations of the Lake Geneva Dam, it remains essential for the state regulatory agency, IDNR, to conduct regular inspections and enforce necessary measures to address the dam's poor condition and high hazard potential. With the dam primarily serving recreational purposes and located in a region known for its natural beauty, ensuring the safety and stability of the Lake Geneva Dam is paramount to protect both the environment and the community. By prioritizing risk management and implementing necessary upgrades, this vital earth dam can continue to provide essential water resource management services while offering recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.
Year Completed |
1944 |
Dam Length |
460 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
UPPER INDIAN CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
18.55 |
Hydraulic Height |
30 |
Drainage Area |
0.65 |
Nid Storage |
303 |
Structural Height |
30 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
30 |
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.
Lake Geneva Dam
Lafayette Street, Vevay