Locust Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 21, 2025

Locust Lake Dam, also known as Naans Branch Dam, is a private dam located in Owen, Indiana, with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Completed in 1950, this earth dam stands at a height of 23 feet and stretches 260 feet in length, offering a picturesque surface area of 16.2 acres for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy. The dam's reservoir has a storage capacity of 132 acre-feet, providing a tranquil setting for activities such as fishing, boating, and picnicking.

Managed by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Locust Lake Dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced to ensure its safety and compliance with state standards. While the dam's condition assessment in 2013 deemed it as fair, its hazard potential is considered significant, with a high risk level assigned. Despite this, the dam is actively monitored and inspected every three years to mitigate any potential risks and ensure the safety of the surrounding community and environment.

Situated along an unnamed tributary of Little Mill Creek, Locust Lake Dam serves as a valuable water resource for the area, offering both recreational opportunities and flood protection benefits. With its unique location and historical significance, this dam remains a vital part of Indiana's water infrastructure, attracting water resource and climate enthusiasts alike to appreciate its beauty and functionality.

Year Completed

1950

Dam Length

260

Dam Height

23

River Or Stream

UNNAMED TRIBUTARY LITTLE MILL CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

16.2

Hydraulic Height

23

Drainage Area

0.68

Nid Storage

132

Structural Height

23

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

23
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.