Franz Pond Dam

TRIBUTARY TO SWIFT RUN· Miami, Ohio· Built 1876· Earth· 21 ft tall
High Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Franz Pond Dam is classified as high hazard in Ohio. It was completed in 1876 and is 150 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 21 ft (taller than 31.1% in OH)
Dam Length600 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage92 acre-ft
Normal Storage29 acre-ft
Surface Area6 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge560 cfs
Year Completed1876 (150 years old)
NID IDOH02104

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 9, 2019
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Department of Natural Resources

Ownership

City of Piqua

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Franz Pond Dam?

Franz Pond 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 Franz Pond Dam?

Franz Pond Dam is owned by City of Piqua (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Franz Pond Dam built?

Franz Pond Dam was completed in 1876, making it 150 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 Franz Pond Dam?

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

How tall is Franz Pond Dam?

Franz Pond Dam has a dam height of 21 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 Franz Pond Dam last inspected?

Franz Pond Dam was last inspected on October 9, 2019. 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.