Habig Lake Dam, located in Dubois County, Indiana, is a privately owned structure primarily used for recreation purposes.
Wind
Humidity
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 |
Patoka River At Jasper
|
756cfs |
Middle Fork Anderson River At Bristow
|
9cfs |
East Fork White River At Shoals
|
2030cfs |
Patoka River At Winslow
|
643cfs |
White River Above Petersburg
|
1220cfs |
White River At Petersburg
|
3540cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Dubois County Park
|
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Ferdinand State Forest
|
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Fishermen's Campground
|
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Newton Stewart State Rec Area - Patoka Lake
|
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Modern Campground
|