Hamilton Low Dam

GREAT MIAMI RIVER· Butler, Ohio· Built 1990· Concrete· 9 ft tall
Low Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Hamilton Low Dam is classified as low hazard in Ohio. It was completed in 1990 and is 36 years old. Its primary use is recreation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 9 ft (taller than 0.9% in OH)
Dam Length450 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Max Storage291 acre-ft
Normal Storage291 acre-ft
Surface Area97 acres
Drainage Area3,490 sq mi
Max Discharge2,000,000 cfs
Year Completed1990 (36 years old)
NID IDOH01278

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: March 29, 2016
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Department of Natural Resources

Ownership

The Miami Conservancy District

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Hamilton Low Dam?

Hamilton Low Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Hamilton Low Dam?

Hamilton Low Dam is owned by The Miami Conservancy District (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Hamilton Low Dam built?

Hamilton Low Dam was completed in 1990, making it 36 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 Hamilton Low Dam?

Hamilton Low 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 Hamilton Low Dam?

Hamilton Low Dam has a dam height of 9 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 Hamilton Low Dam last inspected?

Hamilton Low Dam was last inspected on March 29, 2016. 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.