Charles Sanderson Lake Dam

BLUE RIVER· Whitley, Indiana· Built 1977· Earth· 22 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Charles Sanderson Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in Indiana. It was completed in 1977 and is 49 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 22 ft (taller than 30.9% in IN)
Dam Length310 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage354 acre-ft
Normal Storage200 acre-ft
Surface Area30 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge1,083 cfs
Year Completed1977 (49 years old)
NID IDIN00776

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: August 19, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: IDNR

Ownership

TIMOTHY J AND SALLY GRISSOM

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Charles Sanderson Lake Dam?

Charles Sanderson 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 Charles Sanderson Lake Dam?

Charles Sanderson Lake Dam is owned by TIMOTHY J AND SALLY GRISSOM (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Charles Sanderson Lake Dam built?

Charles Sanderson Lake Dam was completed in 1977, making it 49 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 Charles Sanderson Lake Dam?

Charles Sanderson 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 Charles Sanderson Lake Dam?

Charles Sanderson Lake Dam has a dam height of 22 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 Charles Sanderson Lake Dam last inspected?

Charles Sanderson Lake Dam was last inspected on August 19, 2020. 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.