Oakalla Lake Dam

UNNAMED TRIBUTARY BIG WALNUT CREEK· Putnam, Indiana· Built 1964· Earth· 40 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Oakalla Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in Indiana. It was completed in 1964 and is 62 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 40 ft (taller than 84.8% in IN)
Dam Length600 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage390 acre-ft
Normal Storage300 acre-ft
Surface Area19 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge1,140 cfs
Year Completed1964 (62 years old)
NID IDIN00116

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: October 10, 2019
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: IDNR

Ownership

OAKALLA LAKE ASSOCIATES

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Oakalla Lake Dam?

Oakalla 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 Oakalla Lake Dam?

Oakalla Lake Dam is owned by OAKALLA LAKE ASSOCIATES (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Oakalla Lake Dam built?

Oakalla Lake Dam was completed in 1964, making it 62 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 Oakalla Lake Dam?

Oakalla 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 Oakalla Lake Dam?

Oakalla Lake Dam has a dam height of 40 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 Oakalla Lake Dam last inspected?

Oakalla Lake Dam was last inspected on October 10, 2019. 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.