Deer Lake Dam #1, located in Brown, Indiana, is a privately-owned earth dam completed in 1977 for recreational purposes along the East Fork Salt Creek.
Wind
Humidity
With a height of 43 feet and a length of 411 feet, the dam provides a storage capacity of 199 acre-feet for its 7.6-acre surface area. Despite its low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, the dam poses a high risk due to its proximity to populated areas and the potential for downstream flooding.
Managed by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Deer Lake Dam #1 undergoes regular inspections every five years to ensure its structural integrity and compliance with state regulations. Although the dam lacks a spillway, outlet gates, or locks, its maximum discharge capacity of 142 cubic feet per second is crucial for flood control and water management in the region. As climate change intensifies, the importance of maintaining and upgrading dams like Deer Lake Dam #1 becomes increasingly urgent to mitigate the risks of extreme weather events and ensure water resource sustainability for future generations.
In light of its critical role in recreation and water management, Deer Lake Dam #1 serves as a valuable asset in the Louisville District's infrastructure. Its strategic location and design contribute to the overall resilience of the local ecosystem and economy. By prioritizing risk management measures and regular maintenance, stakeholders can safeguard the dam's functionality and enhance its capacity to adapt to evolving climate challenges. As a beacon of water resource stewardship, Deer Lake Dam #1 exemplifies the intersection between human ingenuity and environmental conservation in a changing world.
Year Completed |
1977 |
Dam Length |
411 |
Dam Height |
43 |
River Or Stream |
EAST FORK SALT CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7.6 |
Hydraulic Height |
43 |
Drainage Area |
0.09 |
Nid Storage |
199 |
Structural Height |
43 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
43 |
North Fork Salt Creek At Nashville
|
20cfs |
Flatrock River At Columbus
|
212cfs |
East Fork White River At Columbus
|
647cfs |
Driftwood River Near Edinburgh Ind
|
439cfs |
Sugar Creek Near Edinburgh
|
127cfs |
Haw Creek Near Clifford
|
12cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Happy Hollow’s Children Camp
|
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Heflen Co Park
|
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Camp Atterbury Military
|
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Brown County State Park
|
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Johnson County Park
|
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Irwin City Park
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