Whippoorwill Dam
Key Takeaway
Whippoorwill Dam is classified as high hazard in Indiana. It was completed in 1945 and is 81 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 | 40 ft (taller than 84.8% in IN) |
| Dam Length | 570 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 363 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 245 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 20 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 352 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1945 (81 years old) |
| NID ID | IN00373 |
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
WHIP POOR WILL LAKE ASSOCIATION
Private
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Unknown 29 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Whippoorwill Dam?
Whippoorwill 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 Whippoorwill Dam?
Whippoorwill Dam is owned by WHIP POOR WILL LAKE ASSOCIATION (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Whippoorwill Dam built?
Whippoorwill Dam was completed in 1945, making it 81 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 Whippoorwill Dam?
Whippoorwill 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 Whippoorwill Dam?
Whippoorwill Dam has a dam height of 40 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 Whippoorwill Dam last inspected?
Whippoorwill Dam was last inspected on November 29, 2018. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.