Dutton Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 20, 2025

Dutton Lake Dam, located in Owen County, Indiana, is a privately owned structure that serves primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

This earth dam, with a core type of buttress, stands at a height of 22 feet and spans a length of 350 feet, creating a surface area of 13.5 acres. Despite its relatively small size, the dam is classified as having a high hazard potential and poor condition assessment, further emphasizing the need for regular inspections and maintenance.

Managed by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Dutton Lake Dam is subject to state regulations, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The dam does not have a spillway and lacks outlet gates, which could pose challenges in managing water levels during heavy rainfall or flooding events. The last inspection date was in February 2021, with a recommended inspection frequency of every 3 years, indicating ongoing efforts to monitor the dam's integrity and safety.

Given its high hazard potential and risk assessment rating, stakeholders and water resource enthusiasts should closely monitor developments at Dutton Lake Dam. With its location in a region prone to extreme weather events, the dam's condition and management practices will be crucial in ensuring the safety of surrounding communities and the preservation of the local ecosystem. Continued efforts in risk management and emergency preparedness are essential to mitigate potential threats and protect the integrity of this important water resource infrastructure.

Dam Length

350

Dam Height

22

Surface Area

13.5

Drainage Area

1.75

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

22
       
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.