Kenneth Layton Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Kenneth Layton Dam, located in Jackson, Indiana, is a privately owned structure that plays a crucial role in water resource management and climate adaptation in the region.


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Summary

Completed in 1995, this earth dam stands at a height of 27 feet and spans a length of 360 feet, providing a storage capacity of 44 acre-feet. Situated on an unnamed tributary of Little Salt Creek, the dam serves to regulate water levels, control floods, and support agricultural activities in the area.

With a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Kenneth Layton Dam is actively regulated, inspected, and enforced by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. The dam's high risk assessment rating highlights the importance of ongoing risk management measures to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Despite the absence of a spillway, the dam's design and operational standards contribute to its effectiveness in mitigating potential risks and maintaining the surrounding ecosystem's health and stability.

As a key infrastructure asset in the Louisville District, Kenneth Layton Dam is a vital component of the region's water resource management strategy. By addressing the challenges posed by climate change and increasing water demands, this dam underscores the importance of sustainable practices and proactive measures in safeguarding the environment and enhancing community resilience.

Year Completed

1995

Dam Length

360

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

UNNAMED TRIBUTARY LITTLE SALT CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3.5

Drainage Area

0.05

Nid Storage

44

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

27
       
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.