Mason Foertsch Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 30, 2025

Mason Foertsch Dam, located in Spencer, Indiana, along Crooked Creek, is a private-owned structure primarily used for recreation.


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Summary

Completed in 1993, this earth dam stands at a height of 32 feet and has a length of 435 feet. With a storage capacity of 27 acre-feet, the dam covers a surface area of 10 acres and has a drainage area of 0.1 square miles, making it a significant water resource in the region.

Despite being in fair condition as of the last assessment in 2013, Mason Foertsch Dam poses a significant hazard potential, with a high risk assessment rating. The dam lacks a spillway and outlet gates, raising concerns about its ability to handle maximum discharge events. The dam is inspected every 3 years, with the last inspection conducted in January 2019. The risk management measures and emergency action plan for the dam are not clearly documented, indicating a potential area for improvement in ensuring the safety and integrity of the structure.

With Larry Bucshon (R) as the representative for the congressional district, the regulation and oversight of Mason Foertsch Dam fall under the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. The dam's location and design make it a key point of interest for water resource and climate enthusiasts, as it presents both recreational opportunities and potential risks that require careful monitoring and management to ensure the safety of surrounding communities and ecosystems.

Year Completed

1993

Dam Length

435

Dam Height

32

River Or Stream

CROOKED CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10

Hydraulic Height

32

Drainage Area

0.1

Nid Storage

27

Structural Height

32

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

32
       
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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.