Lake Shawnee Dam No. 2 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 18, 2025
Lake Shawnee Dam No.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
2 in Vanderburgh, Indiana, is a privately owned earth dam with a primary purpose of recreation. The dam stands at a height of 29 feet and stretches 480 feet in length, creating a storage capacity of 33 acre-feet. Situated on an unnamed tributary of Bluegrass Creek, this dam is regulated by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and functionality.
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Lake Shawnee Dam No. 2 is considered to have a high risk due to its condition assessment being rated as fair. The last inspection in November 2018 revealed the dam's current state, with a risk assessment level of 2. While no emergency action plan has been reported, the dam meets regulatory guidelines and is equipped with outlet gates for water release. The dam serves as a recreational spot with a surface area of 3 acres, providing opportunities for water enthusiasts in the area to enjoy its amenities.
Overall, Lake Shawnee Dam No. 2 offers a picturesque setting for recreation in Vanderburgh County, Indiana. With its earth structure and low hazard potential, the dam provides both storage capacity and a source of enjoyment for visitors. However, its fair condition assessment and high risk rating highlight the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety of the dam and surrounding area, particularly in the face of potential climate challenges and water resource management.
Dam Length |
480 |
Dam Height |
29 |
River Or Stream |
UNNAMED TRIBUTARY BLUEGRASS CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3 |
Drainage Area |
0.03 |
Nid Storage |
33 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
29 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Pigeon Creek Near Fort Branch
|
1cfs |
Big Creek Near Wadesville
|
1cfs |
Patoka River Near Princeton
|
732cfs |
Patoka River At Winslow
|
572cfs |
Wabash River At Mt. Carmel
|
6020cfs |
Wabash River At New Harmony
|
6160cfs |
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.
Lake Shawnee Dam No. 2