Bass Haven Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 20, 2025

Bass Haven Lake Dam, located in Owen County, Indiana, was completed in 1967 and serves as a recreational spot for water enthusiasts.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The dam, standing at a height of 22 feet and with a length of 380 feet, creates a lake with a normal storage capacity of 126 acre-feet and a surface area of 9.79 acres. The dam is owned privately and is regulated by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, with inspections conducted regularly to ensure its safety.

Despite its recreational appeal, Bass Haven Lake Dam poses a significant hazard potential and has been rated as being in poor condition. The dam lacks a spillway and outlet gates, making it critical to monitor its structural integrity and water levels closely. With a high risk assessment rating of 2, it is essential for proper risk management measures to be implemented to mitigate potential dangers and ensure the safety of nearby communities.

As climate change continues to impact water resources, Bass Haven Lake Dam serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining and monitoring infrastructure to prevent potential disasters. With its location on Fall Creek, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water levels and protecting the surrounding area from flooding. Climate and water resource enthusiasts will find Bass Haven Lake Dam to be a fascinating case study in the intersection of recreation, conservation, and safety in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1967

Dam Length

380

Dam Height

22

River Or Stream

FALL CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9.79

Hydraulic Height

22

Drainage Area

1.75

Nid Storage

210

Structural Height

22

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

22
       
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.