White Oak Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: January 12, 2026

White Oak Lake Dam, located in Bartholomew, Indiana, is a significant earth dam with a height of 15 feet and a length of 300 feet.


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Summary

Classified for recreational purposes, this dam serves as both a recreational area and a water storage facility, with a normal storage capacity of 27 acre-feet and a surface area of 4.58 acres. Despite its age, the last inspection was conducted in 1967, and its hazard potential is considered significant, warranting further attention from water resource and climate enthusiasts.

With its location in Congressional District 06, Indiana, the White Oak Lake Dam poses potential risks that may require improved risk management measures. While the dam's condition assessment is currently not rated, its historical significance and the lack of recent inspections raise concerns about its structural integrity and capacity in the face of changing climate patterns and extreme weather events. Water resource and climate enthusiasts may find this site an intriguing case study for exploring the intersection of dam safety, recreational use, and environmental challenges in the region.

As the dam's emergency action plan (EAP) status and risk assessment information remain undisclosed, there is a pressing need for updated data and readiness measures to ensure the safety of the surrounding community and the integrity of the structure. Water resource and climate enthusiasts can delve into the complexities of managing aging infrastructure like White Oak Lake Dam, balancing recreational benefits with potential hazards, and navigating regulatory requirements to safeguard water resources and mitigate climate-related risks effectively.

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

15

Surface Area

4.58

Drainage Area

0.19

Nid Storage

27

Structural Height

15

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

15
       
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.