Lake Mottram Upground Reservoir

EAST BRANCH PORTAGE RIVER - OFFSTREAM· Hancock, Ohio· Built 1891· Earth· 20 ft tall
High Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Lake Mottram Upground Reservoir is classified as high hazard in Ohio. It was completed in 1891 and is 135 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 20 ft (taller than 27.7% in OH)
Dam Length3,880 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage297 acre-ft
Normal Storage161 acre-ft
Surface Area15 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge77 cfs
Year Completed1891 (135 years old)
NID IDOH00787

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: June 24, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Department of Natural Resources

Ownership

City of Fostoria

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lake Mottram Upground Reservoir?

Lake Mottram Upground Reservoir 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 Lake Mottram Upground Reservoir?

Lake Mottram Upground Reservoir is owned by City of Fostoria (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Lake Mottram Upground Reservoir built?

Lake Mottram Upground Reservoir was completed in 1891, making it 135 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 Lake Mottram Upground Reservoir?

Lake Mottram Upground Reservoir 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 Lake Mottram Upground Reservoir?

Lake Mottram Upground Reservoir has a dam height of 20 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 Lake Mottram Upground Reservoir last inspected?

Lake Mottram Upground Reservoir was last inspected on June 24, 2021. 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.