Decker Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Francy Site 3 Whaley/Williams Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Decker Lake Dam, located in Bluffton, Indiana, was completed in 1960 and is primarily used for recreation purposes.
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Summary
Owned privately, this earth dam stands at a height of 14.3 feet and has a length of 740 feet, providing a storage capacity of 123 acre-feet. It is regulated by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment has been deemed poor, with the last inspection in 2018 revealing areas in need of improvement. The dam poses a moderate risk, and while emergency action plans have not been updated recently, the risk management measures are currently unspecified. Despite these challenges, Decker Lake Dam continues to serve as a recreational resource for the local community, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, and other outdoor activities along the unnamed tributary of Johns Creek.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is essential to stay informed about the condition and management of dams like Decker Lake Dam to ensure the safety of surrounding areas and the preservation of water resources. With ongoing risk assessments and maintenance efforts, stakeholders can work together to mitigate potential hazards and maintain the dam's functionality for future generations to enjoy.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
740 |
Dam Height |
14.3 |
River Or Stream |
UNNAMED TRIBUTARY JOHNS CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
12.8 |
Drainage Area |
0.12 |
Nid Storage |
123 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
14 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Wabash River At Bluffton
|
11cfs |
Wabash River Near Bluffton Indiana
|
-999999cfs |
Wabash River At Linn Grove
|
23cfs |
St. Marys River At Decatur
|
22cfs |
Salamonie River Near Warren
|
39cfs |
St. Marys River Near Fort Wayne
|
51cfs |
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.
Garretson Dam