Watanabe Upper Lake Dam, located in Brown, Indiana, is a private dam with a primary purpose of recreation.
Wind
Humidity
Constructed in 2003 by Regional Services Corp., this earth dam stands at a height of 42 feet and spans a length of 313 feet. The dam impounds an unnamed tributary of Gnaw Bone Creek, creating a surface area of 5.6 acres and a normal storage capacity of 58 acre-feet.
Despite its recreational use, the dam poses a significant hazard potential with a poor condition assessment as of 2013. With a high risk rating and a significant hydraulic height of 41.4 feet, the dam requires regular inspections, which are conducted every three years. The dam is under state regulation by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, ensuring that it meets safety and inspection standards. Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Watanabe Upper Lake Dam an intriguing case study in the management of a privately owned recreational dam with inherent risks and regulatory oversight.
Year Completed |
2003 |
Dam Length |
313 |
Dam Height |
42 |
River Or Stream |
UNNAMED TRIBUTARY GNAW BONE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5.6 |
Hydraulic Height |
41.4 |
Drainage Area |
0.09 |
Nid Storage |
99 |
Structural Height |
42 |
Outlet Gates |
Other Controlled |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
42 |
North Fork Salt Creek At Nashville
|
20cfs |
Flatrock River At Columbus
|
212cfs |
Driftwood River Near Edinburgh Ind
|
439cfs |
East Fork White River At Columbus
|
647cfs |
Sugar Creek Near Edinburgh
|
127cfs |
Haw Creek Near Clifford
|
12cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Happy Hollow’s Children Camp
|
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Heflen Co Park
|
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Camp Atterbury Military
|
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Brown County State Park
|
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Johnson County Park
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Irwin City Park
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