Dayton Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Dayton Lake Dam, located in Gnaw Bone, Indiana, is a private earth dam primarily built for recreation purposes.


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Summary

Constructed in 1968 by the USDA NRCS, this dam stands at a height of 31 feet and has a length of 180 feet, with a storage capacity of 38 acre-feet. The dam is situated on an unnamed tributary of Mount Liberty Creek and is regulated by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.

Despite its significant hazard potential and poor condition assessment, Dayton Lake Dam has not undergone any modifications or improvements since 2011. The dam lacks a spillway and outlet gates, posing a risk to the surrounding area in the event of a high discharge. Despite the high risk associated with the dam, it has not been designated as a USACE structure, leaving its maintenance and operations in the hands of private owners.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the management and maintenance of dams will find Dayton Lake Dam a fascinating case study. With its unique design and purpose, coupled with its regulatory challenges and risk assessment, this dam serves as a compelling example of the importance of proper infrastructure management in ensuring the safety and sustainability of water resources in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1968

Dam Length

180

Dam Height

31

River Or Stream

UNNAMED TRIBUTARY MOUNT LIBERTY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1

Hydraulic Height

31

Drainage Area

0.25

Nid Storage

38

Structural Height

31

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Significant

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.