Oakalla Lake Dam
Oakalla Lake Dam is an earth dam located in Putnam County, Indiana, built in 1964. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Oakalla Lake Dam
The primary purpose of Oakalla Lake Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Oakalla Lake Associates (private). It impounds the Unnamed Tributary Big Walnut Creek.
The dam stands 40 feet tall and stretches 600 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 19 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 390 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 1964, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.
This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. Its condition is rated fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. The most recent inspection on record was 10/10/2019.
At 40 feet, this dam is taller than 87% of dams nationwide.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Indiana |
| County | Putnam |
| River/Stream | Unnamed Tributary Big Walnut Creek |
| Coordinates | 39.63625, -86.91442 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 40 ft |
| Dam Height | 40 ft |
| Dam Length | 600 ft |
| Year Completed | 1964 (62 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 390 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 390 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 300 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 19 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 1,140 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | OAKALLA LAKE ASSOCIATES |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 10/10/2019 |
| Emergency Action Plan | No |
Identifiers
| NID ID | IN00116 |
| Federal ID | IN00116 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |