Baker Lake Dam in Bartholomew, Indiana, stands as a crucial structure along an unnamed tributary of Wolfe Creek.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1954 for recreational purposes, the earth dam rises 28 feet tall and stretches 500 feet in length, creating a 3.5-acre surface area for fish and wildlife pond activities. However, recent assessments have deemed the dam's condition as poor, with a significant hazard potential, urging the need for improvements to ensure safety and functionality.
Despite its current state, Baker Lake Dam continues to provide essential storage of up to 49 acre-feet for recreational and environmental purposes. The dam's spillway, utilizing an uncontrolled design, spans 9 feet wide, catering to the region's drainage area of 0.08 square miles. With a moderate risk assessment in place, it becomes clear that the dam requires attention and management to mitigate potential hazards and maintain its vital role in the local ecosystem.
As climate change impacts water resources and infrastructure, the maintenance and upkeep of dams like Baker Lake Dam become increasingly important. With its location in a private ownership setting, collaboration between state regulatory agencies and the dam's owners is crucial to ensure proper inspection, enforcement, and risk management measures are implemented. As enthusiasts in water resources and climate change, it is essential to advocate for the sustainable management of dams like Baker Lake Dam to protect both communities and the environment for future generations.
Year Completed |
1954 |
Dam Length |
500 |
Dam Height |
28 |
River Or Stream |
UNNAMED TRIBUTARY WOLFE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3.5 |
Drainage Area |
0.08 |
Nid Storage |
49 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
28 |
East Fork White River At Columbus
|
602cfs |
Flatrock River At Columbus
|
178cfs |
Driftwood River Near Edinburgh Ind
|
419cfs |
North Fork Salt Creek At Nashville
|
18cfs |
Sugar Creek Near Edinburgh
|
121cfs |
Haw Creek Near Clifford
|
11cfs |
| 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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Irwin City Park
|
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Brown County State Park
|
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Johnson County Park
|