Aitken Lake Dam

UNNAMED TRIBUTARY BIG RACCOON CREEK· Parke, Indiana· Built 1973· Earth· 31 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Aitken Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in Indiana. It was completed in 1973 and is 53 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 31 ft (taller than 66.4% in IN)
Dam Length290 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage50 acre-ft
Normal Storage29 acre-ft
Surface Area5 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge802 cfs
Year Completed1973 (53 years old)
NID IDIN00700

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: February 1, 2018
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: IDNR

Ownership

EDWARD WILLS

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Aitken Lake Dam?

Aitken Lake Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Aitken Lake Dam?

Aitken Lake Dam is owned by EDWARD WILLS (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Aitken Lake Dam built?

Aitken Lake Dam was completed in 1973, making it 53 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Aitken Lake Dam?

Aitken Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Aitken Lake Dam?

Aitken Lake Dam has a dam height of 31 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Aitken Lake Dam last inspected?

Aitken Lake Dam was last inspected on February 1, 2018. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.