Brown Park Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Brown Park Lake Dam, located in Brown County, Indiana, serves as a recreational spot for water enthusiasts in the area.


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Summary

Completed in 1971, this earth dam stands at a height of 27 feet and has a length of 300 feet, providing storage for up to 99 acre-feet of water. The dam is situated on an unnamed tributary of Hamilton Creek and is regulated by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, ensuring its safety and compliance with state regulations.

Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is regularly inspected and assessed to maintain its fair condition. The last inspection took place in October 2020 with a frequency of every 5 years. While the dam lacks a spillway, it has a maximum discharge capacity of 1670 cubic feet per second. The risk assessment for the dam is considered high (2), prompting the need for continued risk management measures to ensure the safety of the surrounding community in the event of a potential emergency.

Overall, Brown Park Lake Dam provides a valuable recreational resource for the area while also serving as a vital water management structure. With its strategic location and regulated maintenance, the dam remains a safe and functional asset for water resource and climate enthusiasts to enjoy.

Year Completed

1971

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

UNNAMED TRIBUTARY HAMILTON CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8

Drainage Area

0.26

Nid Storage

99

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

27
       
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.