Whip-Poor-Will Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Crosley Lake Dam Nighthawk Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Whip-Poor-Will Lake Dam, located in Jennings, Indiana, is a state-regulated earth dam completed in 1973 for recreational purposes.
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Summary
Managed by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, this 26-foot tall structure impounds the Vernon Fork Muscatatuck River, creating a 10-acre lake with a storage capacity of 117 acre-feet. The dam's spillway, with a width of 36 feet, is uncontrolled, allowing for a maximum discharge of 4 cubic feet per second.
Despite its low hazard potential, Whip-Poor-Will Lake Dam's condition assessment in 2005 rated it as poor, indicating a need for maintenance and repairs. The dam's inspection frequency is every 5 years, with the last inspection taking place in December 2017. While the risk assessment is moderate, with a rating of 3, there are currently no documented risk management measures in place. Climate and water resource enthusiasts may be interested in monitoring developments at this dam to ensure its continued safety and functionality for both recreational and environmental purposes.
Year Completed |
1973 |
Dam Length |
425 |
Dam Height |
26 |
River Or Stream |
VERNON FORK MUSCATATUCK RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
10 |
Hydraulic Height |
26 |
Drainage Area |
0.22 |
Nid Storage |
117 |
Structural Height |
26 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
26 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Whip-Poor-Will Lake Dam