Nicewander Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Nicewander Lake Dam, located in Brown, Indiana, was completed in 1976 and serves as a recreational water resource for the community.


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Summary

With a height of 27 feet and a length of 215 feet, the dam creates a storage capacity of 63 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 45 acre-feet. The dam is situated on an unnamed tributary of the North Fork Salt Creek, offering a serene setting for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy activities such as fishing and boating.

Despite its primary purpose of recreation, Nicewander Lake Dam has been deemed to have a significant hazard potential and is currently rated as being in poor condition. The most recent inspection in May 2018 highlighted the need for improvement, with a high risk assessment of 2 out of 3. It is regulated by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure the safety and maintenance of the dam. As the area's hazard potential and risk assessment are considered high, ongoing risk management measures may be necessary to mitigate any potential threats to the surrounding community and environment.

Year Completed

1976

Dam Length

215

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

UNNAMED TRIBUTARY NORTH FORK SALT CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4

Hydraulic Height

27

Drainage Area

0.25

Nid Storage

63

Structural Height

27

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

27
       
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.