Joe Stanczyk Lake Dam (South) Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Joe Stanczyk Lake Dam (South) in DeKalb, Indiana, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1983 for recreational purposes.
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Summary
This dam, managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service, stands at 18.8 feet high and spans 225 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 254 acre-feet. Situated on an unnamed tributary of John Diehl Ditch, the dam is regulated by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity.
Despite its fair condition assessment as of 2017, the dam poses a significant hazard potential due to its moderate risk assessment rating. With a spillway width of 36 feet and uncontrolled spillway type, the dam has the capacity to discharge water in case of emergencies. While no outlet gates are present, the dam's emergency action plan status and inundation maps remain unclear. The risk management measures and readiness for potential catastrophes are not explicitly outlined, raising questions about the dam's preparedness for emergencies.
As a crucial infrastructure for recreation in the region, Joe Stanczyk Lake Dam (South) serves as a focal point for water resource management and climate resilience efforts. Its presence highlights the intersection of human development with environmental stewardship, emphasizing the importance of proactive safety measures to mitigate risks and ensure the long-term sustainability of water resources in the area.
Year Completed |
1983 |
Dam Length |
225 |
Dam Height |
18.8 |
River Or Stream |
UNNAMED TRIBUTARY JOHN DIEHL DITCH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
18.8 |
Drainage Area |
0.33 |
Nid Storage |
254 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
19 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Joe Stanczyk Lake Dam (South)
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