Shakamak Lake Dam dam
Shakamak Lake Dam
Shakamak Lake Dam in Sullivan, Indiana, stands as a vital water resource for the region, serving primarily for recreational purposes. Constructed in 1930, this Earth-type dam boasts a height of 45 feet and a length of 1150 feet, with a storage capacity of 2500 acre-feet. The dam is situated on the Big Branch of the Louisville District, providing a surface area of 53.13 acres for visitors to enjoy.
Despite its historical significance, Shakamak Lake Dam faces challenges in terms of its condition assessment, which was rated as poor in 2013. With a low hazard potential but high risk assessment, there is a need for improved risk management measures to ensure the safety and longevity of the dam. The last inspection in 2018 highlighted the need for regular upkeep and maintenance to address these concerns and prevent any potential hazards.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Shakamak Lake Dam represents a blend of natural beauty and engineering ingenuity. As a state-regulated structure with inspections and enforcement in place, it remains a cornerstone of the region's water management system. However, ongoing efforts are required to address the poor condition assessment and high risk potential, ensuring the sustainability of this vital water resource for future generations to come.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Shakamak Lake Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Busseron Creek Near Carlisle | 1,810 cfs | → |
| Eel River At Bowling Green | 2,600 cfs | → |
| Wabash River At Riverton Ind | 16,100 cfs | → |
| White River At Newberry | 28,900 cfs | → |
| Wabash River At Terre Haute | 11,200 cfs | → |
| Mill Creek Near Cataract | 1,800 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Shakamak Lake Dam.
Boat launches
- 625 North Greene County
- North Co Road 300 East, Sullivan
- County Road 450 East 871-1999, Sullivan
- Sullivan County
Campgrounds
- Sullivan County Park
- Sunset City Park
- Res 26 - Greene - Sullivan State Forest
- Greene - Sullivan State Forest
- Fowler County Park
- Hawthorne County Park
Track Shakamak Lake Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Shakamak Lake Dam
Where does the data for Shakamak Lake Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Shakamak Lake Dam.