Dugan Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 20, 2025

Dugan Lake Dam, located in Owen, Indiana, stands as a vital structure serving primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Completed in 1960, this Earth-type dam measures 26 feet in height and spans 212 feet in length, containing a maximum storage capacity of 151 acre-feet. Despite its significant role in providing recreational opportunities and storing water, the dam has been flagged for having a high hazard potential and poor condition assessment, with the last inspection in April 2019 revealing areas in need of improvement.

Situated on an unnamed tributary of Fall Creek, the dam poses a moderate risk (rated 3 out of 5) and lacks detailed risk management measures and inundation maps. The dam's spillway, which is uncontrolled, features a width of 30 feet to manage potential overflow. With a drainage area of 0.4 square miles and a surface area of 4.31 acres, Dugan Lake Dam plays a crucial role in the local ecosystem and water resource management. However, the dam's condition warrants attention and potentially further investment to ensure the safety of surrounding communities and the environment.

Owned privately, the dam falls under the jurisdiction of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and undergoes regular state inspections, permitting, and enforcement. With a hazard potential assessment of high and a risk level deemed moderate, Dugan Lake Dam presents both challenges and opportunities for enhancing its structural integrity and emergency preparedness. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the ongoing monitoring and maintenance of this dam serve as crucial components in safeguarding its functionality and mitigating potential risks to the surrounding area.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

212

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

UNNAMED TRIBUTARY FALL CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4.31

Hydraulic Height

26

Drainage Area

0.4

Nid Storage

151

Structural Height

26

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

26
       
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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.