Foerderer Lake Dam #1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Foerderer Lake Dam #1, located in Brown, Indiana, serves as a crucial water resource for the community, providing a surface area of 1.6 acres and a drainage area of 0.05 square miles.


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Summary

Completed in 1966, this earth dam stands at a height of 27 feet and has a storage capacity of 20 acre-feet, primarily designed for recreational purposes. Although the dam has a low hazard potential and is in fair condition as of its last assessment in 2005, it is subject to regular inspections and meets state regulatory standards for safety and enforcement.

Despite its modest size and purpose, Foerderer Lake Dam #1 plays a significant role in managing water resources for the area, with a maximum discharge capacity of 163 cubic feet per second. The dam's location near an unnamed tributary of Gnaw Bone Creek highlights its importance in maintaining water quality and ecosystem health. While the dam does not feature a spillway or outlet gates, its risk assessment indicates a high level of risk, prompting the need for ongoing monitoring and risk management measures to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure.

As part of the Louisville District and owned privately, Foerderer Lake Dam #1 stands as a testament to the importance of water resource management and climate resilience in local communities. With its historical significance dating back to the mid-20th century, the dam continues to provide recreational opportunities while facing the challenges of aging infrastructure and increasing climate variability. By remaining vigilant in its inspections and maintenance efforts, stakeholders can safeguard this vital water resource for future generations of enthusiasts and environmental stewards.

Year Completed

1966

Dam Length

275

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

UNNAMED TRIBUTARY GNAW BONE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1.6

Drainage Area

0.05

Nid Storage

20

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.