Metzger Upground Reservoir

OTTAWA RIVER - OFFSTREAM· Allen, Ohio· Built 1946· Earth· 45 ft tall
High Hazard Water Supply Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Metzger Upground Reservoir is classified as high hazard in Ohio. It was completed in 1946 and is 80 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 45 ft (taller than 88% in OH)
Dam Length10,353 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage4.3K acre-ft
Normal Storage3.7K acre-ft
Surface Area156 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge800 cfs
Year Completed1946 (80 years old)
NID IDOH00521

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: May 24, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Department of Natural Resources

Ownership

City of Lima

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Metzger Upground Reservoir?

Metzger 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 Metzger Upground Reservoir?

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

When was Metzger Upground Reservoir built?

Metzger Upground Reservoir 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 Metzger Upground Reservoir?

Metzger Upground Reservoir serves the following purposes: Water Supply, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Metzger Upground Reservoir?

Metzger Upground Reservoir has a dam height of 45 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 Metzger Upground Reservoir last inspected?

Metzger Upground Reservoir was last inspected on May 24, 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.