Wallace Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Wallace Lake Dam, located in LaPorte, Indiana, was completed in 1997 and serves as a recreational spot for enthusiasts of fish and wildlife ponds.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The privately-owned dam stands at a height of 14 feet with a length of 165 feet, providing a storage capacity of 266 acre-feet. Situated on an unnamed tributary of the Galena River, the dam is regulated by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety.

Despite being classified with a low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2013 revealed poor conditions, indicating a need for maintenance and potential repairs. The risk assessment for Wallace Lake Dam is relatively high, with a designated risk level of 2. With a history of poor condition and high risk, it is crucial for stakeholders and regulatory agencies to prioritize the implementation of risk management measures to mitigate any potential hazards associated with the dam.

While Wallace Lake Dam currently meets its primary purpose of recreation, its condition assessment and risk level highlight the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety of surrounding areas and communities. As an integral component of the local water resource infrastructure, efforts should be made to improve the dam's condition and implement necessary risk management measures to safeguard against potential emergencies.

Year Completed

1997

Dam Length

165

Dam Height

14

River Or Stream

UNNAMED TRIBUTARY GALENA RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10

Drainage Area

1.13

Nid Storage

266

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

14
       
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.