Cornetts Paradise Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cornetts Paradise Lake, also known as La Sarre Lake Dam, is a private water resource located in Ripley, Indiana.


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Summary

Built in 1952, this Earth dam stands at 25 feet high and stretches 450 feet in length, creating a reservoir with a maximum storage capacity of 212 acre-feet. The primary purpose of the dam is for recreation, offering visitors a serene escape for fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities.

Despite its picturesque setting, Cornetts Paradise Lake poses a significant hazard potential due to its poor condition assessment. The dam has not been inspected since 2017, with a risk assessment rating of High (2). With a drainage area of 0.5 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 1,132 cubic feet per second, it is crucial for regulatory agencies like the Indiana Department of Natural Resources to ensure proper maintenance and enforcement to mitigate any potential risks.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts should take heed of Cornetts Paradise Lake as a recreational haven with a complex regulatory landscape. With its location on Laughery Creek and the potential for high-risk situations, it serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between human enjoyment of natural resources and the need for responsible stewardship to ensure safety and sustainability for future generations.

Year Completed

1952

Dam Length

450

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

LAUGHERY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

20

Hydraulic Height

25

Drainage Area

0.5

Nid Storage

212

Structural Height

25

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

25
       
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.