Horseshoe Diversion Dam

Miami River· Butler, Ohio· Built 1920· Timber Crib· 8 ft tall
Low Hazard Hydroelectric Local Government

Key Takeaway

Horseshoe Diversion Dam is classified as low hazard in Ohio. It was completed in 1920 and is 106 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric.

Physical Details

Dam Height 8 ft (taller than 0.2% in OH)
Dam Length1,300 ft
Dam TypeTimber Crib
Max Storage1.3K acre-ft
Normal Storage1.3K acre-ft
Surface Area98 acres
Year Completed1920 (106 years old)
NID IDOH03186

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: No
Last Inspection: August 21, 2018
State Regulated: No

Ownership

City of Hamilton, OH

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Horseshoe Diversion Dam?

Horseshoe Diversion 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 Horseshoe Diversion Dam?

Horseshoe Diversion Dam is owned by City of Hamilton, OH (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Horseshoe Diversion Dam built?

Horseshoe Diversion Dam was completed in 1920, making it 106 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 Horseshoe Diversion Dam?

Horseshoe Diversion Dam serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Horseshoe Diversion Dam?

Horseshoe Diversion Dam has a dam height of 8 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 Horseshoe Diversion Dam last inspected?

Horseshoe Diversion Dam was last inspected on August 21, 2018. 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.