George Wilson Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 27, 2025

Located in Miami, Indiana, the George Wilson Lake Dam stands as a vital water resource for the community.


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Summary

Completed in 1986, this private-owned Earth dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a surface area of 8.5 acres and a storage capacity of 155 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2004 revealed poor upkeep, prompting a closer inspection in 2014.

Situated on an unnamed tributary of the Mississinewa River, the dam spans 200 feet in length and reaches a height of 20 feet, with a drainage area of 0.2 square miles. Although it lacks a spillway and outlet gates, the dam is regulated by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and undergoes regular inspections, state permitting, and enforcement. With a risk assessment indicating a moderate level of risk (2), the George Wilson Lake Dam is a crucial component of the local water infrastructure.

As climate change continues to impact water resources in Indiana, the maintenance and management of dams like George Wilson Lake Dam become increasingly important. With proper upkeep and oversight from regulatory agencies, this structure can continue to provide recreational opportunities while safeguarding the surrounding environment and communities.

Year Completed

1986

Dam Length

200

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

UNNAMED TRIBUTARY MISSISSINEWA RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8.5

Drainage Area

0.2

Nid Storage

155

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Low

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.