Blue Rock Lake Dam

MANNS FORK· Muskingum, Ohio· Built 1937· Earth· 31 ft tall
High Hazard Water Supply Recreation State Government

Key Takeaway

Blue Rock Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Ohio. It was completed in 1937 and is 89 years old. Its primary use is water supply. 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 31 ft (taller than 64.6% in OH)
Dam Length385 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage361 acre-ft
Normal Storage163 acre-ft
Surface Area14 acres
Drainage Area2 sq mi
Max Discharge6,618 cfs
Year Completed1937 (89 years old)
NID IDOH00061

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: October 22, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Department of Natural Resources

Ownership

ODNR, Division of Parks & Watercraft

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Blue Rock Lake Dam?

Blue Rock 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 Blue Rock Lake Dam?

Blue Rock Lake Dam is owned by ODNR, Division of Parks & Watercraft (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Blue Rock Lake Dam built?

Blue Rock Lake Dam was completed in 1937, making it 89 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 Blue Rock Lake Dam?

Blue Rock Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Water Supply, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Blue Rock Lake Dam?

Blue Rock Lake Dam has a dam height of 31 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 Blue Rock Lake Dam last inspected?

Blue Rock Lake Dam was last inspected on October 22, 2020. 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.