Schnacke Lake Number 3 Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Schnacke Lake Number 3 Dam, located in Vanderburgh County, Indiana, is a privately owned structure that serves primarily for recreational purposes.
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Summary
The earth dam stands at 40 feet high and spans 300 feet in length, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 54 acre-feet. Despite its small surface area of 2 acres and a drainage area of 0.05 square miles, the dam poses a significant hazard potential and has been assessed to be in poor condition as of 2012.
The dam, situated on an unnamed tributary of Locust Creek, falls under the regulatory jurisdiction of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). It lacks a spillway and outlet gates, and has not undergone any modifications or improvements since its construction. The last recorded inspection in 2018 indicated a high risk level, prompting the need for enhanced risk management measures. With a congressman from the Louisville District representing the area, concerns over the dam's safety and emergency preparedness remain critical for the surrounding community and ecosystem.
Enthusiasts of water resources and climate change should closely monitor the state of Schnacke Lake Number 3 Dam as it continues to age and deteriorate. The dam's location, lack of key safety features, and poor condition assessment underscore the importance of proactive maintenance and risk mitigation efforts to prevent potential disasters and ensure the long-term sustainability of the recreational resource. As climate variability intensifies, the need for resilient infrastructure and emergency response preparedness becomes increasingly urgent for safeguarding water resources and communities in the face of evolving environmental challenges.
Dam Length |
300 |
Dam Height |
40 |
River Or Stream |
UNNAMED TRIBUTARY LOCUST CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2 |
Drainage Area |
0.05 |
Nid Storage |
54 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
40 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Big Creek Near Wadesville
|
2cfs |
Pigeon Creek Near Fort Branch
|
6cfs |
Wabash River At New Harmony
|
6230cfs |
Patoka River Near Princeton
|
876cfs |
Wabash River At Mt. Carmel
|
5960cfs |
Little Wabash River At Carmi
|
90cfs |
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.
Schnacke Lake Number 3 Dam
Dogtown Boat Ramp