Wisdom Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Wisdom Lake Dam, located in Decatur, Indiana, is a private-owned structure designed by Bayer, Becker Engineers.
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Summary
This earth dam stands at 22 feet high and spans 465 feet in length, holding a maximum storage capacity of 166 acre-feet for recreational purposes. The dam overlooks an unnamed tributary of Clifty Creek, providing a serene backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts and water resource aficionados alike.
The dam's condition assessment is rated as fair, with a significant hazard potential due to its location. Despite its fair condition, the dam is inspected every three years to ensure its structural integrity and safety. With a high risk assessment rating of 2, it is crucial for officials to closely monitor the dam and implement risk management measures as needed. The dam does not have a spillway and features slide (sluice gate) outlet gates for water flow control.
In the event of an emergency, the dam has not had an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) prepared or updated, indicating a potential area for improvement in emergency response readiness. Nevertheless, Wisdom Lake Dam remains a picturesque spot for recreational activities and serves as a vital element in the local water resource infrastructure, contributing to the overall beauty and functionality of the area.
Dam Length |
465 |
Dam Height |
22 |
River Or Stream |
UNNAMED TRIBUTARY CLIFTY CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
17 |
Drainage Area |
0.91 |
Nid Storage |
166 |
Structural Height |
22 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
22 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Flatrock River At St. Paul
|
86cfs |
Clifty Creek At Hartsville
|
27cfs |
Big Blue River At Shelbyville
|
115cfs |
Haw Creek Near Clifford
|
11cfs |
Brush Creek Near Nebraska
|
2cfs |
Flatrock River At Columbus
|
178cfs |
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.
Wisdom Lake Dam