Margaret Creek Structure No. 5

BIDDLE CREEK· Athens, Ohio· Built 1970· Earth· 29 ft tall
Significant Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Local Government

Key Takeaway

Margaret Creek Structure No. 5 is classified as significant hazard in Ohio. It was completed in 1970 and is 56 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 29 ft (taller than 58% in OH)
Dam Length600 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage417 acre-ft
Normal Storage29 acre-ft
Surface Area8 acres
Drainage Area2 sq mi
Max Discharge9,573 cfs
Year Completed1970 (56 years old)
NID IDOH00085

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: Yes
Last Inspection: May 4, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Department of Natural Resources

Ownership

Hocking Conservancy District

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Margaret Creek Structure No. 5?

Margaret Creek Structure No. 5 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 Margaret Creek Structure No. 5?

Margaret Creek Structure No. 5 is owned by Hocking Conservancy District (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Margaret Creek Structure No. 5 built?

Margaret Creek Structure No. 5 was completed in 1970, making it 56 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 Margaret Creek Structure No. 5?

Margaret Creek Structure No. 5 serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Margaret Creek Structure No. 5?

Margaret Creek Structure No. 5 has a dam height of 29 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 Margaret Creek Structure No. 5 last inspected?

Margaret Creek Structure No. 5 was last inspected on May 4, 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.