Wright Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Wright Lake Dam, located in Brown County, Indiana, is a privately owned structure that was completed in 1970 by designer Creel Sprague.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 30 feet and has a length of 255 feet, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 70 acre-feet. The dam is situated on an unnamed tributary of Mount Liberty Creek and is regulated by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.

Despite its age, Wright Lake Dam is in poor condition and has a high hazard potential, according to a 2006 assessment. The dam has an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with a maximum discharge of 127 cubic feet per second. The surrounding area has a drainage area of 0.24 square miles, making it crucial to monitor the dam's integrity and maintenance to mitigate any potential risks to downstream communities.

With a risk assessment rating of moderate, Wright Lake Dam requires regular inspections, with the last one conducted in November 2020. The dam's emergency action plan status and risk management measures are currently unknown, highlighting the importance of proactive measures to ensure the safety and sustainability of this critical water resource infrastructure in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1970

Dam Length

255

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

UNNAMED TRIBUTARY MOUNT LIBERTY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5

Hydraulic Height

30

Drainage Area

0.24

Nid Storage

70

Structural Height

30

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, 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.