Indian Lakes Rec. Area Upper Lake Dam dam
Indian Lakes Rec. Area Upper Lake Dam
Nestled in Guernsey, Ohio, the Indian Lakes Rec. Area Upper Lake Dam is a private-owned Earth dam that serves primarily for recreation purposes. Completed in 1962, this dam stands at a height of 18.6 feet and has a storage capacity of 51.1 acre-feet. The dam overlooks the picturesque Indian Upper Lake and is a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts looking to enjoy the tranquil surroundings and engage in various recreational activities.
Managed by the Department of Natural Resources, the Indian Lakes Rec. Area Upper Lake Dam is subject to regular state inspections due to its significant hazard potential and poor condition assessment. Despite its age, the dam continues to provide essential water storage for the surrounding area, with a normal storage capacity of 28.9 acre-feet. The dam's location near the tributary to Wills Creek adds to its ecological importance, supporting a diverse range of flora and fauna in the region.
For those interested in water resource management and climate change, the Indian Lakes Rec. Area Upper Lake Dam presents a fascinating case study of a privately-owned dam in Ohio. Its historical significance, recreational value, and environmental impact make it a noteworthy landmark in the region. Whether exploring the dam for its engineering marvels or enjoying the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape, this site offers a unique blend of history, recreation, and conservation for water resource and climate enthusiasts alike.
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 Indian Lakes Rec. Area Upper Lake Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Wills Creek At Cambridge Oh | 28 cfs | → |
| Leatherwood Creek Near Kipling Oh | 17 cfs | → |
| Seneca Fork Bl Senecaville Dam Near Senecaville Oh | 9 cfs | → |
| Salt Creek Near Chandlersville Oh | 26 cfs | → |
| Tuscarawas River At Newcomerstown Oh | 1,700 cfs | → |
| West Fork Duck Creek At Macksburg Oh | 30 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Indian Lakes Rec. Area Upper Lake Dam.
Boat launches
- Us 22 Wildlife Acess Ramp
- Salt Fork State Park - Campground Ramp
- Salt Fork State Park - Salt Fork Marina
- Noble County Fish And Game
- Salt Fork State Park - Cabin Area
- Morning Glory Ramp
Campgrounds
- Woodgrove Campground H
- Area 31 Campsite
- Forest Hills Lake Camp
- Colonial Campground
- Lamping Homestead Recreation Area
Track Indian Lakes Rec. Area Upper 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 Indian Lakes Rec. Area Upper Lake Dam
Where does the data for Indian Lakes Rec. Area Upper 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 Significant 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 Indian Lakes Rec. Area Upper Lake Dam.