Salter Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 24, 2025
Salter Lake Dam, located in Owen, Indiana, was completed in 1973 and serves primarily for recreation purposes.
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Summary
This private earth dam stands at a height of 22 feet and spans 450 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 177 acre-feet. The dam's reservoir covers a surface area of 16.23 acres and is situated on the Eel River.
Despite its low hazard potential, Salter Lake Dam is currently assessed to be in poor condition as of December 2012. The dam lacks a spillway and outlet gates, posing a potential risk in the event of high water levels. With a high risk assessment rating of 2, the dam requires ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its structural integrity and safety.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in Salter Lake Dam should be aware of its significance as a recreational feature in the area, while also staying informed about the dam's condition and risk assessment. As a privately owned structure regulated by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, the dam presents a unique case study for understanding the intersection of water management, infrastructure maintenance, and environmental stewardship in the region.
Year Completed |
1973 |
Dam Length |
450 |
Dam Height |
22 |
River Or Stream |
EEL RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
16.23 |
Hydraulic Height |
22 |
Drainage Area |
0.65 |
Nid Storage |
177 |
Structural Height |
22 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
22 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Eel River At Bowling Green
|
171cfs |
White River At Newberry
|
2030cfs |
Mill Creek Near Cataract
|
17cfs |
Busseron Creek Near Carlisle
|
95cfs |
Wabash River At Terre Haute
|
2330cfs |
Wabash River At Riverton Ind
|
2560cfs |
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.
Salter Lake Dam