Schisler Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Schisler Lake Dam, located in Bartholomew County, Indiana, was completed in 1930 and serves as a recreational water resource.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 24 feet and stretches 415 feet in length, creating a surface area of 4 acres. The dam holds back an unnamed tributary of Wolf Creek and is regulated by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.

Despite its historical significance, Schisler Lake Dam is currently rated as having a poor condition assessment and a significant hazard potential. The last inspection in 2016 revealed issues that need to be addressed, with a high risk assessment in place. The dam lacks a spillway and outlets gates, further increasing the risk of potential hazards.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the state-regulated Schisler Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study of a dam in need of maintenance and improvements to ensure public safety and environmental protection. With its rich history and recreational significance, the future of Schisler Lake Dam hinges on proactive risk management measures and timely repairs to address its current poor condition.

Year Completed

1930

Dam Length

415

Dam Height

24

River Or Stream

UNNAMED TRIBUTARY WOLF CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4

Drainage Area

0.23

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

24
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.