Castle Lake & Hills West Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 20, 2025
Castle Lake & Hills West Dam, located in Henry County, Indiana, stands as a recreational oasis for water resource and climate enthusiasts alike.
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Summary
Built in 1972, this earth dam boasts a height of 31 feet and a length of 400 feet, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 114 acre-feet. The dam sits on an unnamed tributary of the Big Blue River, offering a serene 7.5-acre surface area for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and birdwatching.
Despite its age, Castle Lake & Hills West Dam has a low hazard potential and is classified as having a poor condition as of its last assessment in 2000. The dam lacks a spillway and outlet gates, presenting a potential risk in the event of increased discharge. However, with regular inspections every five years and state regulatory oversight from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, measures are in place to ensure the safety and integrity of the dam. The risk assessment for the dam is currently rated as high, indicating a need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to mitigate any potential issues.
As a private-owned structure primarily used for recreation, Castle Lake & Hills West Dam symbolizes the intersection of human ingenuity and natural beauty. Its picturesque location offers a tranquil setting for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy the wonders of water resources while also highlighting the importance of responsible dam management in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1972 |
Dam Length |
400 |
Dam Height |
31 |
River Or Stream |
UNNAMED TRIBUTARY BIG BLUE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7.5 |
Hydraulic Height |
31 |
Drainage Area |
0.2 |
Nid Storage |
114 |
Structural Height |
31 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
31 |
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.
Castle Lake & Hills West Dam