Versailles Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Versailles Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Indiana. It was completed in 1956 and is 70 years old. Its primary use is water supply. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 57 ft (taller than 96.4% in IN) |
| Dam Length | 934 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 5.8K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 2.1K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 211 acres |
| Drainage Area | 168 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 65,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1956 (70 years old) |
| NID ID | IN00021 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
State Government
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High Hazard 53 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Versailles Lake Dam?
Versailles Lake Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Versailles Lake Dam?
Versailles Lake Dam is owned by DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Versailles Lake Dam built?
Versailles Lake Dam was completed in 1956, making it 70 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 Versailles Lake Dam?
Versailles Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Water Supply, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Versailles Lake Dam?
Versailles Lake Dam has a dam height of 57 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 Versailles Lake Dam last inspected?
Versailles Lake Dam was last inspected on June 29, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.