Bittner Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Kahre Lake Dam Edgewater Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Bittner Lake Dam in Vanderburgh, Indiana, stands as a vital structure for water resource and climate enthusiasts.
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Summary
Completed in 1956, this private-owned earth dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a serene landscape with a surface area of 4.97 acres. The dam boasts a height of 24 feet and a length of 350 feet, holding a maximum storage capacity of 76 acre-feet. However, despite its significance in providing leisure activities, the dam's condition assessment in 2002 revealed poor maintenance and a high hazard potential, calling for immediate attention.
Situated along an unnamed tributary Maidlow Ditch, Bittner Lake Dam falls under the regulatory jurisdiction of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), ensuring state-permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The dam's location in S14, T5S, R11W, encourages visitors to appreciate its beauty while also understanding the risks associated with its aging infrastructure. With a high risk assessment of 2 and a history of poor condition, it is essential for stakeholders to prioritize maintenance and risk management measures to prevent potential disasters and ensure the sustainability of this recreational gem for future generations.
While Bittner Lake Dam offers a picturesque setting for outdoor enthusiasts, its deteriorating condition and high hazard potential demand immediate action. With no spillway and outdated inspection records dating back to 2002, the dam presents a pressing need for updated emergency action plans and risk assessments to mitigate potential threats. As water resource and climate enthusiasts continue to appreciate the beauty of Bittner Lake Dam, it is crucial for authorities and stakeholders to prioritize its maintenance and ensure the safety of both visitors and the surrounding environment.
Year Completed |
1956 |
Dam Length |
350 |
Dam Height |
24 |
River Or Stream |
UNNAMED TRIBUTARY MAIDLOW DITCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4.97 |
Hydraulic Height |
24 |
Drainage Area |
0.04 |
Nid Storage |
76 |
Structural Height |
24 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
24 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Big Creek Near Wadesville
|
1cfs |
Pigeon Creek Near Fort Branch
|
1cfs |
Wabash River At New Harmony
|
6520cfs |
Patoka River Near Princeton
|
872cfs |
Wabash River At Mt. Carmel
|
5920cfs |
Bonpas Creek At Browns
|
0cfs |
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.
Bittner Lake Dam
New Harmony Road 11699, Chandler