Shady Oaks Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Shady Oaks Lake Dam, also known as Gartner Dam, is a privately owned earth dam located in Brown, Indiana.


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Summary

Completed in 1966, this dam serves primarily for recreational purposes and provides a storage capacity of 368 acre-feet. The dam stands at a height of 30.6 feet and has a length of 680 feet, creating a surface area of 25.7 acres and draining a 0.6 square mile watershed.

Situated on Dunaway Creek and regulated by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Shady Oaks Lake Dam has a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment. The dam's spillway, with a width of 100 feet, is uncontrolled, allowing for a maximum discharge of 627 cubic feet per second. While the dam has not undergone major modifications in recent years, it is subject to regular inspections every 5 years to ensure its structural integrity and compliance with state regulations.

Overall, Shady Oaks Lake Dam presents a moderate risk level, with emergency action plans and risk management measures yet to be fully developed. With its picturesque location and important role in water resource management and recreation, this dam serves as a valuable asset to the community while requiring ongoing monitoring and maintenance to mitigate potential risks and ensure public safety.

Year Completed

1966

Dam Length

680

Dam Height

30.6

River Or Stream

DUNNAWAY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

25.7

Hydraulic Height

30.6

Drainage Area

0.6

Nid Storage

368

Structural Height

30.6

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

31
       
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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.