Oberlin Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Oberlin Lake Dam, located in Hamilton, Indiana, was completed in 1965 by the USDA NRCS and serves as a recreational water resource for the area.


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Summary

With a height of 15 feet and a length of 180 feet, the dam provides a storage capacity of 98 acre-feet, with a maximum storage of 90 acre-feet and a normal storage of 51 acre-feet. The dam is primarily used for recreation and is situated on the Haughey Ditch and Black Creek, offering a surface area of 12 acres for water enthusiasts to enjoy.

Despite its significant hazard potential, Oberlin Lake Dam has not been rated for its condition as of the last inspection in 1989. The dam is not state-regulated and does not require regular state inspections, permitting, or enforcement. The emergency action plan (EAP) status and risk assessment for the dam are also unclear, raising concerns about the safety and management measures in place for this recreational water resource. As climate enthusiasts, it is important to monitor and advocate for the proper maintenance and monitoring of dams like Oberlin Lake Dam to ensure the safety and sustainability of our water resources.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

180

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

HAUGHEY DITCH,BLACK CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

12

Hydraulic Height

15

Nid Storage

98

Structural Height

15

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

15
       
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.