Sage Lake Dam, located in Brown, Indiana, was completed in 1961 and serves primarily for recreational purposes.
Wind
Humidity
This private earth dam stands at a height of 28 feet and has a length of 200 feet, impounding water from an unnamed tributary of Gnaw Bone Creek. With a normal storage capacity of 14 acre-feet and a surface area of 1.7 acres, the dam poses a significant hazard potential and has been assessed to be in poor condition as of March 2012.
Despite being privately owned, Sage Lake Dam falls under state regulation, with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources overseeing its permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The dam lacks a spillway and outlet gates, with no provision for maximum discharge. The last inspection in May 2018 revealed the need for significant maintenance and improvement, highlighting the urgency for risk management measures to mitigate the high-level risks associated with the dam.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Sage Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study in the intersection of recreational infrastructure and environmental stewardship. As concerns over dam safety and maintenance continue to grow, the condition of Sage Lake Dam serves as a reminder of the critical role that proper management and oversight play in ensuring the safety and sustainability of these structures in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1961 |
Dam Length |
200 |
Dam Height |
28 |
River Or Stream |
UNNAMED TRIBUTARY GNAW BONE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
1.7 |
Hydraulic Height |
28 |
Drainage Area |
0.05 |
Nid Storage |
21 |
Structural Height |
28 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
28 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Happy Hollow’s Children Camp
|
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Brown County State Park
|
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Horseman's Camp
|
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Yellowwood State Forest
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