Frank Alexander Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 25, 2025
Frank Alexander Lake Dam, located in Rush County, Indiana, is a concrete structure completed in 1950 with a primary purpose of water supply.
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Summary
Standing at a height of 21.6 feet and a hydraulic height of 23 feet, the dam boasts a storage capacity of 59 acre-feet and serves as a crucial component of the local water management system. Despite its significant role in providing water to the surrounding area, the dam has been deemed to be in poor condition, with a low hazard potential but a high risk assessment rating of 2.
The dam, situated on an unnamed tributary of the Big Blue River, covers a surface area of 5.1 acres and has a drainage area of 0.43 square miles. With a normal storage capacity of 33 acre-feet, the dam plays a vital role in regulating water flow and ensuring a stable water supply for the region. Despite its age and poor condition assessment, the dam has not undergone any modifications in recent years and lacks certain safety features such as a spillway.
Given its critical importance in water supply and management, efforts to assess and address the dam's poor condition and high risk assessment are essential to prevent potential hazards and ensure the continued safety and reliability of Frank Alexander Lake Dam. Collaborative efforts between state regulatory agencies and private owners are crucial to implement necessary risk management measures and maintain the integrity of this vital water resource infrastructure in Rush County, Indiana.
Year Completed |
1950 |
Dam Length |
320 |
Dam Height |
21.6 |
River Or Stream |
UNNAMED TRIBUTARY BIG BLUE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
5.1 |
Hydraulic Height |
23 |
Drainage Area |
0.43 |
Nid Storage |
59 |
Structural Height |
23 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
23 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Sugar Creek At New Palestine
|
8cfs |
Big Blue River At Shelbyville
|
149cfs |
Buck Creek At Acton
|
24cfs |
Flatrock River At St. Paul
|
234cfs |
Fall Creek Near Fortville
|
38cfs |
Whitewater River Near Alpine
|
146cfs |
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.
Frank Alexander Lake Dam