Hawthorne Wildlife Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Hawthorn Park Dam Hulman Lodge Dam
Last Updated: December 22, 2025
Hawthorne Wildlife Dam, located in Vigo, Indiana, is a crucial water resource structure regulating the flow of Lost Creek.
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Summary
Built in 1985, this earth dam stands at a height of 10 feet and stretches 4500 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 120 acre-feet. Despite its modest size, the dam plays a significant role in managing water levels and protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding.
State-regulated and inspected, Hawthorne Wildlife Dam has been deemed to have a significant hazard potential, although its condition was assessed as fair in 2013. With a high-risk assessment rating, it is essential that proper risk management measures are in place to ensure the safety and integrity of the dam. While it currently lacks a spillway and outlet gates, the dam continues to serve its primary purpose effectively and remains a vital component of the local water management infrastructure.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Hawthorne Wildlife Dam offers a fascinating case study in sustainable water management practices. With its unique location and design, this earth dam provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of balancing water conservation, wildlife protection, and infrastructure development in a changing climate. As discussions around dam safety and risk mitigation continue to evolve, Hawthorne Wildlife Dam serves as a reminder of the importance of proactive maintenance and monitoring to ensure the long-term resilience of our water resources.
Year Completed |
1985 |
Dam Length |
4500 |
Dam Height |
10 |
River Or Stream |
LOST CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
56 |
Drainage Area |
1 |
Nid Storage |
120 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
10 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Wabash River At Terre Haute
|
2250cfs |
Big Raccoon Creek At Coxville
|
128cfs |
Eel River At Bowling Green
|
145cfs |
Wabash River At Montezuma
|
2290cfs |
Big Raccoon Creek Near Fincastle Ind
|
89cfs |
Mill Creek Near Cataract
|
57cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Hawthorne County Park
|
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Camp Wildwood
|
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Fowler County Park
|
Hawthorne Wildlife Dam