Fowler Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Fowler Lake Dam, also known as Thomas Fowler Lake Dam, is a privately owned structure located in Brown County, Indiana.


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Summary

Completed in 1977, this earth dam stands at a height of 24 feet and spans 240 feet in length. It serves the purpose of regulating an unnamed tributary of Bear Creek, providing a storage capacity of 56 acre-feet and a surface area of 6.5 acres.

With a high hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Fowler Lake Dam is regulated by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections every two years. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with a maximum discharge capacity of 38 cubic feet per second. Despite its moderate risk assessment rating, the dam has not been modified in recent years and lacks certain emergency preparedness measures such as an Emergency Action Plan.

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Fowler Lake Dam an intriguing subject, with its unique design and important role in managing water resources in the area. As a privately owned dam with state regulatory oversight, it showcases the intersection of private ownership and public safety in maintaining critical infrastructure for water management and flood control.

Year Completed

1977

Dam Length

240

Dam Height

24

River Or Stream

UNNAMED TRIBUTARY BEAR CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6.5

Hydraulic Height

24

Drainage Area

0.09

Nid Storage

56

Structural Height

24

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

24
       
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.