Habig Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Habig Lake Dam, located in Dubois County, Indiana, is a privately owned structure primarily used for recreation purposes.


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Summary

Completed in 1975, this earth dam stands at 22 feet high and spans 350 feet in length, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 173 acre-feet. The dam overlooks the Straight River and is regulated by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, ensuring that it meets state inspection and enforcement standards.

Despite its picturesque setting and recreational value, Habig Lake Dam poses a significant hazard potential with a poor condition assessment, as determined in a 2011 evaluation. The dam's risk assessment is rated as high, indicating areas of concern that may require management measures to mitigate potential safety issues. Although there is no spillway present, the dam's maximum discharge capacity is 369 cubic feet per second, emphasizing the importance of regular inspections and maintenance to uphold its structural integrity and safeguard surrounding areas from flooding risks.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts may find Habig Lake Dam to be a fascinating case study in dam safety and risk management. With its unique location in the Louisville District and the Straight River watershed, this privately owned structure serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining and monitoring dam infrastructure to ensure public safety and protect the surrounding environment. As discussions surrounding climate change and water resource management continue to evolve, Habig Lake Dam stands as a critical piece of infrastructure requiring ongoing attention and potentially enhanced risk mitigation strategies to address its significant hazard potential.

Year Completed

1975

Dam Length

350

Dam Height

22

River Or Stream

STRAIGHT RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10

Hydraulic Height

22

Drainage Area

0.41

Nid Storage

173

Structural Height

22

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

22
       
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.