Long Beach Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Lake George Dam Jimmerson Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Long Beach Lake Dam, also known as Roscoe & Russell Brown Lake Dam, is a privately owned structure located in Steuben, Indiana, along Lake James.
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Summary
The dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, with a height of 12 feet and a length of 525 feet, providing a storage capacity of 220 acre-feet. However, despite its importance for recreation, the dam is classified as having a significant hazard potential and poor condition assessment, with the last inspection date in 2017 raising concerns about its structural integrity.
The dam, constructed as an earth-fill type, lacks a spillway and outlet gates, posing risks in the event of high water levels or emergencies. With a high risk assessment and a history of poor maintenance, the Long Beach Lake Dam is in need of immediate attention to ensure public safety and the preservation of its recreational value. The dam is subject to state regulations, inspections, and enforcement by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, indicating the importance of regular monitoring and maintenance to prevent potential disasters.
As climate enthusiasts and water resource advocates, the condition of Long Beach Lake Dam highlights the critical need for proper management and investment in dam infrastructure to mitigate risks and protect communities and ecosystems. With its location along the Lake James tributary and significant hazard potential, addressing the dam's poor condition and implementing risk management measures are crucial steps towards ensuring the safety and sustainability of this water resource. The involvement of state regulatory agencies and the assessment of high risk underscore the urgency of addressing the dam's structural deficiencies and implementing long-term solutions to safeguard both recreational opportunities and the surrounding environment.
Dam Length |
525 |
Dam Height |
12 |
River Or Stream |
LAKE JAMES |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
42 |
Nid Storage |
220 |
Structural Height |
13 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
13 |
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.
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