Aitken Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 24, 2025
Aitken Lake Dam, also known as William Aitken Lake Dam, is a privately owned structure located in Parke, Indiana, on an unnamed tributary of Big Raccoon Creek.
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Summary
Constructed in 1973 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 31 feet and serves primarily for recreational purposes, with a normal storage capacity of 29 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 50 acre-feet. Despite its limited drainage area of 0.2 square miles, the dam has a significant hazard potential due to its poor condition assessment and high risk assessment rating.
The dam lacks a spillway and outlet gates, adding to its risk profile, and has not been inspected since February 2018, with a scheduled inspection frequency of every 3 years. The dam's emergency action plan is not prepared, and it does not meet guidelines for inundation maps or risk management measures. With a significant hazard potential and a high risk assessment rating, Aitken Lake Dam presents a pressing concern for water resource and climate enthusiasts, highlighting the need for proactive monitoring and maintenance to ensure public safety and environmental protection in the event of an emergency.
Year Completed |
1973 |
Dam Length |
290 |
Dam Height |
31 |
River Or Stream |
UNNAMED TRIBUTARY BIG RACCOON CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4.99 |
Hydraulic Height |
22 |
Drainage Area |
0.2 |
Nid Storage |
50 |
Structural Height |
31 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
31 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Big Raccoon Creek At Coxville
|
91cfs |
Wabash River At Montezuma
|
2160cfs |
Big Raccoon Creek Near Fincastle Ind
|
89cfs |
Wabash River At Terre Haute
|
2330cfs |
Eel River At Bowling Green
|
171cfs |
Plum Creek Near Bainbridge
|
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.
Aitken Lake Dam