Deer Lake Dam #1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Deer Lake Dam #1, located in Brown, Indiana, is a privately-owned earth dam completed in 1977 for recreational purposes along the East Fork Salt Creek.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

With a height of 43 feet and a length of 411 feet, the dam provides a storage capacity of 199 acre-feet for its 7.6-acre surface area. Despite its low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, the dam poses a high risk due to its proximity to populated areas and the potential for downstream flooding.

Managed by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Deer Lake Dam #1 undergoes regular inspections every five years to ensure its structural integrity and compliance with state regulations. Although the dam lacks a spillway, outlet gates, or locks, its maximum discharge capacity of 142 cubic feet per second is crucial for flood control and water management in the region. As climate change intensifies, the importance of maintaining and upgrading dams like Deer Lake Dam #1 becomes increasingly urgent to mitigate the risks of extreme weather events and ensure water resource sustainability for future generations.

In light of its critical role in recreation and water management, Deer Lake Dam #1 serves as a valuable asset in the Louisville District's infrastructure. Its strategic location and design contribute to the overall resilience of the local ecosystem and economy. By prioritizing risk management measures and regular maintenance, stakeholders can safeguard the dam's functionality and enhance its capacity to adapt to evolving climate challenges. As a beacon of water resource stewardship, Deer Lake Dam #1 exemplifies the intersection between human ingenuity and environmental conservation in a changing world.

Year Completed

1977

Dam Length

411

Dam Height

43

River Or Stream

EAST FORK SALT CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7.6

Hydraulic Height

43

Drainage Area

0.09

Nid Storage

199

Structural Height

43

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

43
       
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.