Sawmill Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Sawmill Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Indiana. It was completed in 1997 and is 29 years old. Its primary use is recreation. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 45 ft (taller than 90.7% in IN) |
| Dam Length | 695 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 674 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 483 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 35 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 3,076 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1997 (29 years old) |
| NID ID | IN03943 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
SAWMILL LAKE LOT OWNERS ASSOCIATION INCORPORATED
Private
Nearby Dams
Grandview Lake Dam
Bartholomew, IN
High Hazard 81 ftGrouse Ridge Lake Dam
Bartholomew, IN
High Hazard 36 ftCamp Christina Lake
Brown, IN
Low Hazard 28 ftLittle Wetwater
Bartholomew, IN
Low Hazard 28 ftIndian (Everroad) Lake Dam
Bartholomew, IN
High Hazard 17 ftNewport Lake Dam
Brown, IN
High Hazard 18 ftCritzer Lake Dam
Bartholomew, IN
Low Hazard 25 ftGenth Lake Dam
Bartholomew, IN
Low Hazard 34 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Sawmill Lake Dam?
Sawmill Lake Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Sawmill Lake Dam?
Sawmill Lake Dam is owned by SAWMILL LAKE LOT OWNERS ASSOCIATION INCORPORATED (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Sawmill Lake Dam built?
Sawmill Lake Dam was completed in 1997, making it 29 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 Sawmill Lake Dam?
Sawmill 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 Sawmill Lake Dam?
Sawmill Lake Dam has a dam height of 45 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 Sawmill Lake Dam last inspected?
Sawmill Lake Dam was last inspected on May 4, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.