Madison Lake Dam

DEER CREEK· Madison, Ohio· Built 1946· Earth· 24 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation State Government

Key Takeaway

Madison Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in Ohio. It was completed in 1946 and is 80 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 24 ft (taller than 39.8% in OH)
Dam Length1,120 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage1.8K acre-ft
Normal Storage653 acre-ft
Surface Area112 acres
Drainage Area53 sq mi
Max Discharge7,973 cfs
Year Completed1946 (80 years old)
NID IDOH00439

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

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

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: November 16, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Department of Natural Resources

Ownership

ODNR, Division of Parks & Watercraft

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Madison Lake Dam?

Madison Lake Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Madison Lake Dam?

Madison Lake Dam is owned by ODNR, Division of Parks & Watercraft (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Madison Lake Dam built?

Madison Lake Dam was completed in 1946, making it 80 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 Madison Lake Dam?

Madison Lake 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 Madison Lake Dam?

Madison Lake Dam has a dam height of 24 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 Madison Lake Dam last inspected?

Madison Lake Dam was last inspected on November 16, 2022. 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.