Crosstie Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Crosstie Lake Dam, also known as Strange Lake, is a privately owned structure located in Ripley, Indiana.
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Summary
Completed in 1964, this earth dam stands at a height of 22 feet and serves primarily for recreational purposes. With a maximum storage capacity of 48 acre-feet and a normal storage of 22 acre-feet, the dam creates a surface area of 2.9 acres and drains a small watershed of 0.03 square miles through an unnamed tributary of Little Laughery Creek.
Despite its fair condition assessment in 2006, Crosstie Lake Dam poses a high hazard potential due to its uncontrolled spillway type and maximum discharge capacity of 440 cubic feet per second. The dam has undergone inspections every 2 years, with the last one conducted in August 2017. The risk assessment for this structure is moderate, with a DSAC (Dam Safety Action Classification) of 3, indicating the need for ongoing risk management measures to ensure the safety of the surrounding community and environment.
Located in a picturesque setting, Crosstie Lake Dam offers opportunities for outdoor recreation while also serving as a vital component of the local watershed management system. With its stone core and soil foundation, this dam continues to play a crucial role in water resource management in the region, highlighting the importance of sustainable infrastructure development in the face of climate change.
Year Completed |
1964 |
Dam Length |
375 |
Dam Height |
22 |
River Or Stream |
UNNAMED TRIBUTARY LITTLE LAUGHERY CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
2.9 |
Hydraulic Height |
21 |
Drainage Area |
0.03 |
Nid Storage |
48 |
Structural Height |
23 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
23 |
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.
Crosstie Lake Dam