Roark Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Roark Lake Dam, located in Brown County, Indiana, is a private Earth dam completed in 1969 primarily for recreational purposes.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The dam stands at a height of 36 feet and stretches 500 feet in length, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 75 acre-feet. Situated on an unnamed tributary of Bear Creek, the dam's normal storage level is 43 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 6.5 acres with a drainage area of 0.1 square miles.

Despite its low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Roark Lake Dam poses a high risk due to its critical location and the potential consequences of failure. The dam has not been designated with a spillway system or outlet gates, making it essential for regular inspections and maintenance to ensure its structural integrity. With the Indiana Department of Natural Resources overseeing its regulation, inspection, and enforcement, Roark Lake Dam serves as a vital asset for water resource management and climate enthusiasts to monitor and protect for the community's safety and environmental well-being.

Year Completed

1969

Dam Length

500

Dam Height

36

River Or Stream

UNNAMED TRIBUTARY BEAR CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6.5

Hydraulic Height

36

Drainage Area

0.1

Nid Storage

75

Structural Height

36

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

36
       
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.