Cornetts Paradise Lake

LAUGHERY CREEK· Ripley, Indiana· Built 1952· Earth· 25 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Cornetts Paradise Lake is classified as significant hazard in Indiana. It was completed in 1952 and is 74 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 25 ft (taller than 42.2% in IN)
Dam Length450 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage212 acre-ft
Normal Storage14 acre-ft
Surface Area20 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge1,132 cfs
Year Completed1952 (74 years old)
NID IDIN00404

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: February 17, 2017
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: IDNR

Ownership

James Bruton

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Cornetts Paradise Lake?

Cornetts Paradise Lake is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Cornetts Paradise Lake?

Cornetts Paradise Lake is owned by James Bruton (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Cornetts Paradise Lake built?

Cornetts Paradise Lake was completed in 1952, making it 74 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Cornetts Paradise Lake?

Cornetts Paradise Lake serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Cornetts Paradise Lake?

Cornetts Paradise Lake has a dam height of 25 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Cornetts Paradise Lake last inspected?

Cornetts Paradise Lake was last inspected on February 17, 2017. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.