Northam Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Fineburg Lake Dam Kelly Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Northam Lake Dam in Brown, Indiana, stands as a significant water resource for recreation enthusiasts.
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Summary
The private-owned dam, with a height of 19 feet and a length of 180 feet, serves as a recreational area with a storage capacity of 25 acre-feet. Despite its non-federal regulation and inspection status, the dam poses a significant hazard potential, highlighting its importance in the context of water resource management and climate resilience.
Located in Congressional District 09, Indiana, Northam Lake Dam's last inspection dates back to October 1997, with a condition assessment of "Not Rated." The dam's emergency action plan status and risk assessment measures remain unspecified, underlining potential gaps in emergency preparedness and risk management. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the data on Northam Lake Dam prompts further exploration into the dam's structural integrity, emergency response readiness, and long-term risk mitigation strategies to ensure the safety of surrounding communities and the preservation of this vital water infrastructure.
With its primary purpose being recreation, Northam Lake Dam's existence underscores the delicate balance between human enjoyment of water resources and the need for sustainable dam maintenance and oversight. The dam's location within a scenic natural environment further emphasizes the importance of responsible stewardship and proactive risk management in safeguarding water resources for future generations. As advocates for water resource sustainability and climate resilience, the case of Northam Lake Dam serves as a compelling example of the intersection between recreational amenities, infrastructure safety, and environmental protection in the face of evolving climate challenges.
Dam Length |
180 |
Dam Height |
19 |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6 |
Drainage Area |
0.39 |
Nid Storage |
25 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
19 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
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