Summary

The area was originally inhabited by the Potawatomi tribe, and was later settled by European immigrants in the 1800s. The lake was created in the 1920s by damming up several creeks and is now used for recreational activities, such as swimming and fishing. Hydrologically, the lake is fed by two main surface flow providers, as well as snowmelt and groundwater. The primary agricultural use in the area is corn and soybean farming, while recreational uses include camping and hiking. The lake is also home to a variety of wildlife, including fish, birds, and turtles.

Regional Streamflow Levels

Yellow River At Plymouth 361.0cfs	361cfs
Juday Creek Near South Bend 22.9cfs	23cfs
Yellow River At Knox 708.0cfs	708cfs
Elkhart River At Goshen 921.0cfs	921cfs
St. Joseph River At Elkhart 6100.0cfs	6100cfs
Tippecanoe River At Oswego 202.0cfs	202cfs

15-Day Long Term Forecast

Reservoir Details

Gage Height, Ft 24hr Change	0.0%
Percent of Normal	88%
Minimum	2.59 ft 2012-07-19
Maximum	4.66 ft 2008-01-09
Average	3 ft

Seasonal Comparison

Gage Height, Ft Levels

5-Day Hourly Forecast Detail

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.

Area Campgrounds

Location	Reservations	Toilets
Potato Creek State Park
Hidden Lake Paradise Camp Grnd
Bass Lake State Beach
Pike Lake County Campground
Kosciusko County Fairgrounds
Elkhart County Fairgrounds