Timber Ridge Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 23, 2025

Timber Ridge Lake Dam, located in Spencer, Indiana, is a private earth dam constructed in 1964 for recreational purposes on the White River.


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Summary

Measuring 28 feet in dam height and 460 feet in length, this structure provides a storage capacity of 234 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 146 acre-feet and a surface area of 14 acres. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam is rated as fair in condition assessment, with the last inspection conducted in December 2017.

Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service and regulated by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Timber Ridge Lake Dam is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement. While the dam does not have a spillway, it does have a maximum discharge of 283 cubic feet per second in case of emergency. With a risk assessment rating of high (2), it is crucial for stakeholders to implement effective risk management measures to ensure the safety and integrity of the dam and surrounding areas. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Timber Ridge Lake Dam serves as an interesting case study in private dam ownership and management within the context of recreational water storage and environmental protection.

Year Completed

1964

Dam Length

460

Dam Height

28

River Or Stream

WHITE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

14

Hydraulic Height

31

Drainage Area

0.37

Nid Storage

234

Structural Height

31

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

31
       
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.