Maschmeyer Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Maschmeyer Lake Dam, also known as Kirk Lake Dam, is a private dam located in Brown County, Indiana.


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Summary

The dam is regulated by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and is primarily used for recreational purposes. With a height of 26 feet and a length of 275 feet, the dam creates a reservoir with a surface area of 2.5 acres and a drainage area of 0.09 square miles.

Despite its recreational value, Maschmeyer Lake Dam poses a significant hazard potential and has been assessed as being in poor condition as of 2012. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 8 feet, and has not undergone any modifications in recent years. The last inspection of the dam took place in July 2018, with a frequency of inspections set at every 3 years.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Maschmeyer Lake Dam to be an intriguing structure due to its unique location and design. As a privately owned dam in Indiana, its condition and hazard potential raise important questions about the management and regulation of such structures, especially in the face of changing environmental conditions. Further research and monitoring of Maschmeyer Lake Dam could provide valuable insights into the intersection of water resources, climate change, and dam safety.

Dam Length

275

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

UNNAMED TRIBUTARY BEAR CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2.5

Drainage Area

0.09

Structural Height

27

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Significant

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.