Lake Of The Woods Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Rainbow Lake Dam Meyer Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 21, 2025
Lake of The Woods Dam, located in Adams County, Indiana, was completed in 1971 and is owned and managed by the USDA NRCS.
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Summary
The dam serves a primary purpose of recreation, offering a surface area of 37 acres and a normal storage capacity of 160 acre-feet. The dam, standing at a height of 16.8 feet with a hydraulic height of 14.8 feet, plays a critical role in controlling the flow of an unnamed tributary of the Wabash River.
Despite its satisfactory condition assessment, Lake of The Woods Dam poses a significant hazard potential, with a moderate risk assessment rating. The dam lacks outlet gates and features an uncontrolled spillway type. The dam's inspection frequency is every three years, with the last inspection conducted in October 2017. The regulatory oversight of the dam falls under the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safe operation.
Overall, Lake of The Woods Dam stands as a vital infrastructure for water resource management and recreational activities in the area. With its picturesque location and important role in flood control and water storage, the dam serves as a significant asset for the community, while also requiring careful monitoring and maintenance to mitigate potential risks and ensure the safety of the surrounding environment and residents.
Year Completed |
1971 |
Dam Length |
1720 |
Dam Height |
16.8 |
River Or Stream |
UNNAMED TRIBUTARY WABASH RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
37 |
Hydraulic Height |
14.8 |
Drainage Area |
0.26 |
Nid Storage |
258 |
Structural Height |
16.8 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
17 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
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. Investigations and studies are necessary.
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.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.
Hazard Potential Classification
HighDams 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, environment 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.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
Lake Of The Woods Dam