Deer Lake Dam #2 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Deer Lake Dam #2 is a privately owned structure located in Brown County, Indiana, along the North Fork Salt Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1978, this earth dam stands at a height of 24 feet and spans 250 feet in length. With a primary purpose of recreation, the dam offers a surface area of 3.1 acres and a normal storage capacity of 66 acre-feet.

Despite its low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Deer Lake Dam #2 is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. The dam has a high risk assessment rating of 2, emphasizing the importance of ongoing risk management measures to ensure the safety of the surrounding community and the environment. With no spillway and no outlet gates, the dam's emergency action plan status and inundation map preparations remain unclear, highlighting potential areas for improvement and emergency preparedness.

Located within the Louisville District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Deer Lake Dam #2 serves as a vital resource for recreational activities while also posing inherent risks that require careful monitoring and management. Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find this dam’s data and risk assessment to be both intriguing and a call to action for continued oversight and safety measures.

Year Completed

1978

Dam Length

250

Dam Height

24

River Or Stream

NORTH FORK SALT CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3.1

Drainage Area

0.3

Nid Storage

99

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

24
       
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.