Morgan Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 17, 2025
Morgan Lake Dam, located in Vanderburgh, Indiana, was completed in 1946 and serves as a recreational water resource for the community.
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Summary
The dam is classified as an earth dam, standing at 18 feet high with a hydraulic height of 23 feet and a length of 328 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 63 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 52 acre-feet and a surface area of 5.46 acres.
Despite being privately owned, Morgan Lake Dam has a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its condition assessment. The last inspection of the dam was conducted in January 1999, with no set inspection frequency reported. The dam does not fall under state jurisdiction or regulation, indicating a level of independence in its operation and maintenance.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Morgan Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study in the management of a recreational water structure. With its historical significance dating back to the mid-20th century, the dam continues to provide a valuable recreational outlet for the local community while also raising questions about its long-term maintenance and sustainability.
Year Completed |
1946 |
Dam Length |
328 |
Dam Height |
18 |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5.46 |
Hydraulic Height |
23 |
Drainage Area |
0.09 |
Nid Storage |
63 |
Structural Height |
23 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
23 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Pigeon Creek Near Fort Branch
|
1cfs |
Big Creek Near Wadesville
|
1cfs |
Patoka River Near Princeton
|
732cfs |
Wabash River At New Harmony
|
6160cfs |
Wabash River At Mt. Carmel
|
6020cfs |
Patoka River At Winslow
|
572cfs |
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.
Morgan Lake Dam