Pfau Lake Dam

UNNAMED TRIBUTARY NORTH FORK SALT CREEK· Brown, Indiana· Built 1972· Earth· 34 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Pfau Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in Indiana. It was completed in 1972 and is 54 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 34 ft (taller than 74.8% in IN)
Dam Length310 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage215 acre-ft
Normal Storage125 acre-ft
Surface Area10 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge830 cfs
Year Completed1972 (54 years old)
NID IDIN00223

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: March 8, 2018
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: IDNR

Ownership

HOLLIE HIRST

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Pfau Lake Dam?

Pfau 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 Pfau Lake Dam?

Pfau Lake Dam is owned by HOLLIE HIRST (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Pfau Lake Dam built?

Pfau Lake Dam was completed in 1972, making it 54 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 Pfau Lake Dam?

Pfau 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 Pfau Lake Dam?

Pfau Lake Dam has a dam height of 34 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 Pfau Lake Dam last inspected?

Pfau Lake Dam was last inspected on March 8, 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.