Willoughby Dam No. 1 (South) dam
Willoughby Dam No. 1 (South)
Willoughby Dam No. 1 (South) is a privately owned dam located in Johnson County, Indiana. Completed in 1965, this earth dam stands at a height of 36 feet and stretches 410 feet in length. Its primary purpose is for recreation, offering a surface area of 5.4 acres and a storage capacity of 69 acre-feet. The dam is situated on an unnamed tributary of Buckhart Creek, providing a serene and picturesque setting for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy.
Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is rated as poor, with the last inspection taking place in December 2015. The risk assessment indicates a high level of risk, emphasizing the importance of regular maintenance and monitoring. While the dam lacks a spillway, it does not have outlet gates either, presenting challenges for effective water management in times of heavy rainfall or flooding. With proper risk management measures in place, Willoughby Dam No. 1 (South) can continue to serve as a recreational hub while ensuring the safety of surrounding areas and water resources.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the preservation and maintenance of dams like Willoughby Dam No. 1 (South) can appreciate the critical role these structures play in balancing water storage, recreation, and environmental protection. As the dam continues to be regulated by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, it serves as a reminder of the importance of sustainable water management practices in the face of changing climate conditions. By staying informed and proactive in addressing maintenance needs and risk assessments, stakeholders can help safeguard this vital piece of infrastructure for future generations to enjoy.
Dam data reference
Condition Assessment
- Satisfactory
- No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
- Fair
- No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action.
- Poor
- A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency.
- Unsatisfactory
- A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
- Not Rated
- The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Hazard Potential Classification
- High
- Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
- Significant
- Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
- Low
- Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
- Undetermined
- Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Willoughby Dam No. 1 (South) -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Youngs Creek Near Edinburgh Ind | 1,430 cfs | → |
| Sugar Creek Near Edinburgh | 3,580 cfs | → |
| Driftwood River Near Edinburgh Ind | 5,910 cfs | → |
| Flatrock River At Columbus | 2,000 cfs | → |
| North Fork Salt Creek At Nashville | 1,210 cfs | → |
| White River Near Centerton | 10,600 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Willoughby Dam No. 1 (South).
Boat launches
- County Road 550 South 3427, Franklin
- South Mauxferry Road Johnson County
- River Road Johnson County
- Us 31 Edinburgh
- Tannehill Road Bartholomew County
Campgrounds
- Johnson County Park
- Camp Atterbury Military
- Irwin City Park
- Heflen Co Park
- Mason Ridge - Morgan Monroe State Forest
- Oak Ridge Camping Area
Paddle runs
Track Willoughby Dam No. 1 (South) in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Willoughby Dam No. 1 (South)
Where does the data for Willoughby Dam No. 1 (South) come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Willoughby Dam No. 1 (South).