Gillen Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Gillen Lake Dam, located in Brown County, Indiana, is a privately owned structure that serves as a crucial water resource in the area.


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Summary

Completed in 1975, this earth dam stands at a height of 37 feet and has a maximum storage capacity of 72 acre-feet. The dam has a low hazard potential and is considered to be in fair condition based on a 2016 assessment.

The dam impounds an unnamed tributary of Hoppers Branch, providing a surface area of 14.3 acres and serving a drainage area of 0.3 square miles. Despite not having a spillway, the dam has a spillway width of 25 feet to manage potential overflow events. Although the dam has not been modified in recent years, regular inspections are conducted to ensure its safety and integrity. In the event of an emergency, the dam has designated emergency contacts, although further details on emergency action plans are not readily available.

Overall, Gillen Lake Dam plays a vital role in water management and conservation efforts in the region, highlighting the importance of maintaining and monitoring such infrastructure to mitigate potential risks and ensure the safety of surrounding communities and ecosystems.

Year Completed

1975

Dam Length

260

Dam Height

37

River Or Stream

UNNAMED TRIBUTARY HOPPERS BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

14.3

Hydraulic Height

37

Drainage Area

0.3

Nid Storage

138

Structural Height

37

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

37
       
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.