Crainsboro Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Crainsboro Lake Dam, located in Brown, Indiana, is a privately owned structure built in 1963 primarily for recreational purposes.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The dam stands at a height of 31 feet and spans 350 feet in length, creating a surface area of 10.9 acres with a maximum storage capacity of 116 acre-feet. Situated on an unnamed tributary of North Fork Salt Creek, the dam is regulated by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity.

Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is rated as poor, with a high risk level of 2. The last inspection in 2017 revealed the need for maintenance and potential risk management measures. With no spillway and outlet gates, the dam relies on the surrounding topography for water discharge. Although the dam has not been modified in recent years, its risk level underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to protect both the environment and nearby communities.

As a popular recreational spot, Crainsboro Lake Dam serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between water resource management and climate resilience. Its location within the Louisville District and association with the North Fork Salt Creek watershed highlights the interconnectedness of water infrastructure and environmental sustainability. The ongoing challenges faced by the dam in terms of condition assessment and risk management underscore the need for proactive measures to ensure the safety and stability of this essential water resource in Indiana.

Year Completed

1963

Dam Length

350

Dam Height

31

River Or Stream

UNNAMED TRIBUTARY NORTH FORK SALT CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10.9

Hydraulic Height

31

Drainage Area

0.12

Nid Storage

116

Structural Height

31

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

31
       
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.