Wildcraft Upper Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Wildcraft Upper Lake Dam, located in Brown, Indiana, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1947 primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 19.9 feet and with a length of 220 feet, the dam holds a normal storage capacity of 14 acre-feet, providing a surface area of 3 acres for water enthusiasts to enjoy. Despite its age, the dam has a significant hazard potential and is currently assessed to be in poor condition as of the last inspection in October 2002.

The dam's condition raises concerns for both water resource and climate enthusiasts, as its significant hazard potential calls for urgent attention and maintenance to ensure public safety and prevent potential environmental impacts in the event of a failure. With no state regulation or inspection in place, the responsibility falls on the private owner to address the dam's condition and implement necessary risk management measures. As a popular recreational spot, Wildcraft Upper Lake Dam serves as a reminder of the importance of proper maintenance and oversight of water infrastructure to mitigate risks and safeguard water resources in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1947

Dam Length

220

Dam Height

19.9

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3

Nid Storage

14

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

20
       
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.