Jeffries Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 18, 2025

Jeffries Lake Dam in Parke, Indiana, is a privately-owned structure built in 1972 by the USDA NRCS for recreational purposes.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Sitting on an unnamed tributary of Molasses Creek, this earth dam stands at 22.45 feet high and has a storage capacity of 65 acre-feet. With a surface area of 2.29 acres and a drainage area of 0.04 square miles, the dam has a spillway width of 25 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 181 cubic feet per second.

Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, Jeffries Lake Dam is currently in fair condition as assessed in 2009. The dam has been inspected regularly every 2 years, with the last assessment conducted in March 2009. While there are no outlet gates, the dam has an uncontrolled spillway type and is regulated by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. The risk assessment for the dam is moderate, and there are no known emergency action plans or inundation maps prepared for the structure.

Located in Minshall, Indiana, Jeffries Lake Dam serves as a vital recreational spot in the area, offering opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy the surrounding natural beauty. With its rich history and importance in water resource management, the dam stands as a testament to the efforts of the USDA NRCS in providing sustainable solutions for water conservation and recreation in the region.

Year Completed

1972

Dam Length

210

Dam Height

22.45

River Or Stream

UNNAMED TRIBUTARY MOLASSES CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2.29

Hydraulic Height

22.5

Drainage Area

0.04

Nid Storage

65

Structural Height

21

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

23
       
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.