La Lumiere Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
La Lumiere Dam, located in LaPorte, Indiana, stands as a testament to the engineering feats of its time, having been completed in 1940.
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Summary
This privately-owned earth dam, with a height of 15 feet and a length of 300 feet, serves the crucial function of impounding an unnamed tributary of the Galena River. With a storage capacity of 112 acre-feet and a surface area of 14 acres, this dam plays a vital role in managing water resources in the region.
Despite its historical significance, La Lumiere Dam faces challenges in terms of its condition assessment, which was reported as poor during its last inspection in 2006. The dam's hazard potential is considered high, necessitating regular inspections and maintenance to ensure public safety and prevent potential disasters. While the risk assessment for the dam is moderate, with a DSAC (Dam Safety Action Classification) assignment pending, there is a pressing need for risk management measures to be implemented to secure its long-term integrity and functionality.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts monitor La Lumiere Dam's condition and risk profile, it remains a focal point for ongoing discussions on dam safety and management practices. With its significant storage capacity and critical role in water resource management, efforts to address its current poor condition and high hazard potential are crucial to safeguarding the surrounding communities and ecosystems. The coordination between private ownership, state regulation, and federal oversight will be essential in ensuring the long-term resilience and sustainability of this important infrastructure asset.
Year Completed |
1940 |
Dam Length |
300 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
UNNAMED TRIBUTARY GALENA RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
14 |
Hydraulic Height |
15 |
Drainage Area |
0.18 |
Nid Storage |
112 |
Structural Height |
15 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
15 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
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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