Wagner Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 21, 2025

Wagner Lake Dam, also known as Gabovitch Lake Dam, is a private dam located in Owen County, Indiana.


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Summary

The dam, primarily used for recreation purposes, stands at a height of 26 feet and stretches 360 feet in length. It impounds an unnamed tributary of Rattlesnake Creek and has a normal storage capacity of 2 acre-feet, with a maximum storage of 39 acre-feet.

Despite its recreational significance, Wagner Lake Dam poses a significant hazard potential due to its poor condition and high risk assessment rating. The dam lacks a spillway and outlet gates, increasing the risk of overtopping during periods of high discharge. The last inspection in September 2019 revealed the dam's deteriorating state, prompting concerns about its safety and the need for immediate maintenance and repairs.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts should take note of Wagner Lake Dam's critical condition and the potential risks it poses to the surrounding community and environment. With its high hazard potential and poor condition assessment, there is a pressing need for regular inspections, risk management measures, and emergency action plans to ensure the dam's safety and prevent any potential disasters that could result from its failure.

Dam Length

360

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

UNNAMED TRIBUTARY RATTLESNAKE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6.64

Drainage Area

0.54

Nid Storage

39

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

26
       
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.