Nicewander Lake Dam

UNNAMED TRIBUTARY NORTH FORK SALT CREEK· Brown, Indiana· Built 1976· Earth· 27 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Nicewander Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in Indiana. It was completed in 1976 and is 50 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 27 ft (taller than 51.4% in IN)
Dam Length215 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage63 acre-ft
Normal Storage45 acre-ft
Surface Area4 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge458 cfs
Year Completed1976 (50 years old)
NID IDIN00566

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: May 8, 2018
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: IDNR

Ownership

Jack Nicewander

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Nicewander Lake Dam?

Nicewander Lake Dam 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 Nicewander Lake Dam?

Nicewander Lake Dam is owned by Jack Nicewander (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Nicewander Lake Dam built?

Nicewander Lake Dam was completed in 1976, making it 50 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 Nicewander Lake Dam?

Nicewander Lake Dam 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 Nicewander Lake Dam?

Nicewander Lake Dam has a dam height of 27 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 Nicewander Lake Dam last inspected?

Nicewander Lake Dam was last inspected on May 8, 2018. 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.