Sawmill Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 21, 2025
Sawmill Lake Dam, also known as Cord Lake Dam, is a privately owned structure located in Bartholomew, Indiana, along an unnamed tributary of the South Branch Salt Creek.
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Summary
Completed in 1997, this earth dam stands at 45 feet high and stretches 695 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 674 acre-feet. The primary purpose of Sawmill Lake Dam is for recreation, offering a surface area of 34.7 acres for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy.
Despite its satisfactory condition assessment as of 2006, Sawmill Lake Dam poses a high hazard potential, emphasizing the importance of regular inspections and maintenance. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 150 feet, capable of handling a maximum discharge of 3076 cubic feet per second. While the risk assessment deems the structure to have a moderate risk level, there are currently no detailed risk management measures in place, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and preparedness in case of emergencies.
Managed by a private entity, Sawmill Lake Dam falls under the regulatory jurisdiction of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). With its scenic location and recreational offerings, this earth dam serves as a vital component of the local water resource infrastructure, providing both beauty and function to the surrounding environment.
Year Completed |
1997 |
Dam Length |
695 |
Dam Height |
45 |
River Or Stream |
UNNAMED TRIBUTARY SOUTH BRANCH SALT CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
34.7 |
Drainage Area |
0.26 |
Nid Storage |
674 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
45 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
East Fork White River At Columbus
|
2530cfs |
Flatrock River At Columbus
|
818cfs |
North Fork Salt Creek At Nashville
|
71cfs |
East Fork White River At Seymour Ind
|
3980cfs |
Haw Creek Near Clifford
|
59cfs |
Driftwood River Near Edinburgh Ind
|
1280cfs |
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.
Sawmill Lake Dam
Bartholomew County