Roberts Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Roberts Lake Dam, located in Brown, Indiana, is a private-owned structure that serves primarily for recreation purposes.


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Summary

The dam, classified as an Earth type, stands at a height of 27 feet and spans 300 feet in length. It impounds an unnamed tributary of Gnaw Bone Creek, creating a surface area of 2 acres and a storage capacity of 8 acre-feet. Despite its small size, the dam poses a significant hazard potential due to its poor condition assessment and high risk level.

The dam is regulated and permitted by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, with state-mandated inspections and enforcement in place. However, the last inspection conducted in August 2018 revealed the dam's poor condition, raising concerns about its safety and the potential risks it poses to downstream areas. With no spillway type specified and no outlet gates, the dam lacks critical features that could help mitigate potential flooding events.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is crucial to monitor and address the safety and maintenance issues surrounding Roberts Lake Dam. Given its significant hazard potential and high risk level, it is imperative for the dam owner and regulatory agencies to prioritize necessary repairs and improvements to ensure the safety of the surrounding community and the integrity of the structure.

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

UNNAMED TRIBUTARY GNAW BONE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2

Drainage Area

0.05

Nid Storage

8

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

27
       
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.