Woodland Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Woodland Lake in Brown County, Indiana, is a privately owned reservoir primarily used for recreation.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The dam, constructed in 1950, stands at 32 feet high and spans 590 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 238 acre-feet of water, the lake covers an area of 17 acres and is fed by an unnamed tributary of Beanblossom Creek.

Despite its low hazard potential, Woodland Lake has been assessed to be in poor condition, with a risk assessment rating of high (2). The last inspection in 2017 revealed the need for improvements, but the dam is still regulated, inspected, and enforced by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. While the lake currently does not have a spillway, emergency action plans and inundation maps have not been prepared, raising concerns about the management of potential risks in case of a breach.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Woodland Lake presents a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of recreational use and dam safety. With its picturesque setting and potential risks, the lake serves as a case study for the importance of proper maintenance and emergency preparedness in managing water resources. As efforts are made to address the poor condition of the dam, stakeholders can work towards ensuring the long-term sustainability and safety of this beloved recreational spot.

Year Completed

1950

Dam Length

590

Dam Height

32

River Or Stream

UNNAMED TRIBUTARY BEANBLOSSOM CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

17

Hydraulic Height

32

Drainage Area

0.12

Nid Storage

238

Structural Height

32

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

32
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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. 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

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, 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.