West Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

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


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Summary

Completed in 1976, the dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a surface area of 3 acres and a maximum storage capacity of 76 acre-feet. The dam stands at a height of 30 feet and spans a length of 380 feet, holding back an unnamed tributary of Gnaw Bone Creek.

Despite its fair condition assessment in 2015, West Lake Dam is classified as having a significant hazard potential and a high risk level. The dam is regulated and inspected by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, with state jurisdiction and permitting in place. While there is no spillway present, the dam has a maximum discharge of 471 cubic feet per second, highlighting the importance of proper risk management measures for the surrounding area.

With its picturesque location and recreational offerings, West Lake Dam provides an important water resource for the community. However, ongoing monitoring and maintenance are crucial to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure, given its high risk level and potential impact on the surrounding area in case of a failure. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is essential to stay informed about the condition and management of dams like West Lake Dam to protect both the environment and public safety.

Year Completed

1976

Dam Length

380

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

UNNAMED TRIBUTARY GNAW BONE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3

Drainage Area

0.12

Nid Storage

76

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

30
       
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.