West Lake Dam, also known as Waldhier Lake Dam, is a privately owned structure located in Brown County, Indiana.
Wind
Humidity
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 |
North Fork Salt Creek At Nashville
|
20cfs |
Flatrock River At Columbus
|
212cfs |
Driftwood River Near Edinburgh Ind
|
439cfs |
East Fork White River At Columbus
|
647cfs |
Sugar Creek Near Edinburgh
|
127cfs |
Haw Creek Near Clifford
|
12cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Happy Hollow’s Children Camp
|
||
Heflen Co Park
|
||
Brown County State Park
|
||
Camp Atterbury Military
|
||
Johnson County Park
|
||
Irwin City Park
|