Forked Run Lake Dam

FORKED RUN· Meigs, Ohio· Built 1952· Earth· 56 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation State Government

Key Takeaway

Forked Run Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Ohio. It was completed in 1952 and is 74 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 56 ft (taller than 94.5% in OH)
Dam Length660 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage2.8K acre-ft
Normal Storage1.1K acre-ft
Surface Area100 acres
Drainage Area8 sq mi
Max Discharge11,811 cfs
Year Completed1952 (74 years old)
NID IDOH00440

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: May 25, 2022
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 Forked Run Lake Dam?

Forked Run 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 Forked Run Lake Dam?

Forked Run 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 Forked Run Lake Dam built?

Forked Run Lake Dam 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 Forked Run Lake Dam?

Forked Run 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 Forked Run Lake Dam?

Forked Run Lake Dam has a dam height of 56 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 Forked Run Lake Dam last inspected?

Forked Run Lake Dam was last inspected on May 25, 2022. 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.