Carlton Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Eckart Lake Dam Woodland Retreat Lake
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Carlton Lake Dam, located in Fayette, Indiana, is a privately owned structure primarily used for recreation.
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Summary
Built in 2002, this earth dam stands at a height of 32 feet and spans a length of 530 feet, with a maximum storage capacity of 83 acre-feet. Despite its purpose for recreation, the dam poses a significant hazard potential and is currently assessed as being in poor condition. The last inspection in June 2019 revealed the need for frequent monitoring, with a three-year inspection frequency to ensure public safety.
Situated on an unnamed tributary of the South Branch Garrison Creek, Carlton Lake Dam lacks a spillway and outlet gates, raising concerns about its ability to safely manage water discharge during heavy rainfall events. With a drainage area of 0.08 square miles and a surface area of 5.2 acres, the dam faces a high risk rating of 2, highlighting the urgency for risk management measures to be implemented. Despite being owned and regulated by private entities, the State of Indiana and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources play a role in permitting, inspecting, and enforcing regulations to ensure the dam's compliance with safety standards. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Carlton Lake Dam serves as a case study in the complexities of managing recreational dams in a changing climate landscape.
Year Completed |
2002 |
Dam Length |
530 |
Dam Height |
32 |
River Or Stream |
UNNAMED TRIBUTARY SOUTH BRANCH GARRISON CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5.2 |
Drainage Area |
0.08 |
Nid Storage |
83 |
Structural Height |
32 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
32 |
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.
Carlton Lake Dam