Whippoorwill Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Briarwood Lake Dam Kivett Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 20, 2025
Whippoorwill Dam is a privately owned structure located in Morgan, Indiana, along an unnamed tributary of Lambs Creek.
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Summary
Built in 1945, the dam serves primarily for recreational purposes and stands at a height of 40 feet with a hydraulic height of 28 feet. The dam has a normal storage capacity of 245 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 363 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 20.3 acres.
Despite its recreational value, Whippoorwill Dam poses a high hazard potential with a poor condition assessment. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled with a width of 15 feet, and it has no outlet gates. The last inspection in November 2018 revealed its poor condition, prompting a moderate risk assessment and a need for risk management measures. While the dam is state-regulated and inspected, there is room for improvement in ensuring its safety and emergency preparedness.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the Whippoorwill Dam would find it to be a fascinating structure with historical significance in the region. With its unique design by Gaston Engineering, the dam's condition and risk assessment underscore the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety of both the structure and the surrounding community. As an earth dam with a stone core and soil foundation, Whippoorwill Dam is a key site for understanding the intersection of water management, recreational use, and the impacts of climate change in Indiana.
Year Completed |
1945 |
Dam Length |
570 |
Dam Height |
40 |
River Or Stream |
UNNAMED TRIBUTARY LAMBS CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
20.3 |
Hydraulic Height |
28 |
Drainage Area |
0.63 |
Nid Storage |
363 |
Structural Height |
28 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
40 |
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.
Whippoorwill Dam