Mills Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 21, 2025

Mills Lake Dam, located in Owen County, Indiana, was completed in 1970 and serves as a recreational resource for the area.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The earth dam stands at a height of 19.9 feet and has a storage capacity of 73 acre-feet, providing opportunities for boating, fishing, and other outdoor activities on its 8-acre surface area. Despite its primary purpose of recreation, the dam has been assessed as having a poor condition, with significant hazard potential.

The dam, with a drainage area of 0.59 square miles, has not been subject to state regulation, inspection, or enforcement. Its last inspection took place in 2001, highlighting the need for ongoing maintenance and assessment to ensure public safety and environmental protection. Given its current state and risk assessment, it may be crucial for relevant authorities to consider implementing risk management measures and emergency action plans to address any potential issues that could arise from the dam's condition.

As a privately owned structure, Mills Lake Dam plays a vital role in providing recreational opportunities in the area, but its condition and hazard potential underscore the importance of continued monitoring and maintenance. Water resource and climate enthusiasts may find interest in the dam's history, design, and current state, as well as the need for proactive measures to mitigate risks and ensure the safety of the surrounding community and ecosystem.

Year Completed

1970

Dam Length

285

Dam Height

19.9

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8

Hydraulic Height

19.9

Drainage Area

0.59

Nid Storage

73

Structural Height

19.9

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

20
       
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.