Current Lake Levels
Understanding plant lake levels*
The Lake Levels (Elevation in feet Local Datum) represent the level of the lakes at the hydros.
Norway/Lake Shafer FERC operating target
- Normal: 645.15 ft
- Low-High: 644.90 ft - 645.90
Oakdale/Lake Freeman FERC operating target
- Normal: 610.35 ft
- Low-High: 610.10 ft - 611.10
Understanding plant discharge levels
The Plant Discharge (cubic feet per second) represents the water flow through each plant.
- Flood Emergency: as conditions warrant
- Flood Warning: 13,000 Cubic Feet/Second
- Flood Watch: 9,000 Cubic Feet/Second
- ALF: <=315 Cubic Feet/Second**
* Change in elevation taken near the face of the hydros does not reflect or equate to the same potential change in depth for other areas of the lake. A change of .01 ft in the surface elevation equates to 1/100th of a foot or .12 inches. NIPSCO does not measure average depths.
** An Abnormal Low Flow (ALF) event occurs at the Oakdale Dam when the previous day’s 24-hour average flow at the Buffalo USGS gauge is equal to or less than 260 cfs. During an ALF event, NIPSCO is required to maintain at the Oakdale USGS gauge the lesser of, a) 1.39 times the previous day’s 24-hour average flow measured at the Buffalo USGS gauge or, b) 315 cfs. This is required by the Operations and Compliance Plan approved by the FERC Order issued March 30, 2023. Lower lake levels could result. An ALF event ends once the 24-hour average rises above 260 cfs at the Buffalo USGS gauge and hourly readings at the Oakdale USGS gauge are above 315 cfs. (This is based on USGS data.)Sign up for alerts
Whether or not you are a White County resident, the White County Emergency Alert Program allows anyone to sign up for alerts about emergencies and other important community news including hydro updates.
Contact information
For information on conditions along the Tippecanoe River, please call your County Emergency Management Agency.
- Carroll County Emergency Management Agency: 1-765-564-4243
- Tippecanoe County Emergency Management Agency: 1-765-742-1334
- White County Emergency Management Agency: 1-574-583-4692
For more information
- Norway USGS Gauge
- Oakdale USGS Gauge
- Delphi USGS Gauge (Tippecanoe River and SR 18)
- Winamac USGS Gauge
- Buffalo USGS Gauge
Frequently asked questions
Why is water always flowing through the gates at the Oakdale dam, and not Norway dam? - IN
Water is discharged through both hydroelectric plants to maintain the lake level. The amount discharged will vary between the two plants. This water may flow through the generators or through the floodgates. At the Oakdale plant, a requirement in NIPSCO’s FERC operating license is to have a specific discharge based on river flows. This is due to an endangered species of mussel that inhabits areas downstream of the Oakdale dam.
- Hydro Power
Historic timeline of our hydroelectric dams
Currently, the dams are operated with a low flow provision from FERC (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission), and USFW (United States Fish & Wildlife), for discharges through the Oakdale dam. Norway and Oakdale were licensed by FERC on October 2, 2007.
1923
Construction of Norway facility completed and in service.
1925
Construction of Oakdale facility completed and in service.
1933
NIPSCO leases Norway and Oakdale dams.
1944
NIPSCO purchases Norway and Oakdale dams.
2000
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) asserts federal jurisdiction, and NIPSCO begins FERC licensing process.
2004
NIPSCO files FERC licensing application.
2007
In October, FERC issues license order, which NIPSCO accepts in November.
FERC order issues original 30 year license with 20 articles.
2014
USFW (United States Fish and Wildlife) issues Technical Assistance Letter mandating discharge from Oakdale Dam due to the Endangered Species Act.
2018
FERC License is modified to include the Technical Assistance Letter.
2023
FERC issues order on March 30, 2023 amending Article 403 and the Project Operation and Compliance Plan. The amendment lowers the flow rates that trigger the lower range of the abnormal river conditions and associated discharge from Oakdale dam.
Disclaimer
NIPSCO is providing information via this website in accordance with FERC requirements and as a public service to agencies and individuals located in Carroll, Tippecanoe, and White Counties, Indiana. The data provided herein is applicable only to the Tippecanoe River in Carroll, Tippecanoe and White Counties, Indiana. To the best of NIPSCO’s knowledge, all information provided on this website is accurate at the time of posting. NIPSCO undertakes reasonable efforts to ensure that all information is accurately updated in a timely manner. NIPSCO makes no representations, guarantees, or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, currency, timeliness or suitability for a particular purpose of the information provided on this website. The user relies on the data provided herein at user's sole risk. The user should not rely exclusively on the data provided on this website and should take all steps reasonably necessary to verify any information provided herein. NIPSCO specifically disclaims any and all liability for any claims or damages that may result from providing the website or the information contained therein.