Persimmon Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Persimmon Lake Dam, also known as North Rust Lake Dam, is a private dam located in Jackson, Indiana.


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Summary

Completed in 1986, this earth dam stands at a height of 40 feet and stretches 750 feet in length. Its primary purpose is for recreation, offering a surface area of 32 acres and a maximum storage capacity of 585 acre-feet.

Managed by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Persimmon Lake Dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the state authorities. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2015 was rated as fair. With a drainage area of 0.55 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in controlling the flow of an unnamed tributary of Little Salt Creek, with a maximum discharge capacity of 2,310 cubic feet per second.

While Persimmon Lake Dam currently poses a low risk, its risk assessment categorizes it as high due to potential hazards. Its emergency action plan status, inundation maps, and risk management measures are currently unknown. However, with regular inspections and maintenance, this dam continues to provide recreational opportunities while ensuring the safety of the surrounding community and environment.

Year Completed

1986

Dam Length

750

Dam Height

40

River Or Stream

UNNAMED TRIBUTARY LITTLE SALT CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

32

Drainage Area

0.55

Nid Storage

585

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

40
       
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.