Harpersfield Low Head Dam

GRAND RIVER· Ashtabula, Ohio· Built 1913· Concrete· 9 ft tall
Low Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Harpersfield Low Head Dam is classified as low hazard in Ohio. It was completed in 1913 and is 113 years old. Its primary use is water supply.

Physical Details

Dam Height 9 ft (taller than 0.9% in OH)
Dam Length325 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Max Storage250 acre-ft
Normal Storage250 acre-ft
Surface Area36 acres
Drainage Area552 sq mi
Max Discharge18,660 cfs
Year Completed1913 (113 years old)
NID IDOH00810

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: May 4, 2016
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Department of Natural Resources

Ownership

Ashtabula Metro Park District

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Harpersfield Low Head Dam?

Harpersfield Low Head 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 Harpersfield Low Head Dam?

Harpersfield Low Head Dam is owned by Ashtabula Metro Park District (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Harpersfield Low Head Dam built?

Harpersfield Low Head Dam was completed in 1913, making it 113 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 Harpersfield Low Head Dam?

Harpersfield Low Head 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 Harpersfield Low Head Dam?

Harpersfield Low Head 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 Harpersfield Low Head Dam last inspected?

Harpersfield Low Head Dam was last inspected on May 4, 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.