Porter Lake Dam

TRIBUTARY TO YELLOWBUSH CREEK· Meigs, Ohio· Built 1968· Earth· 30 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Porter Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in Ohio. It was completed in 1968 and is 58 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 30 ft (taller than 61.5% in OH)
Dam Length262 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage73 acre-ft
Normal Storage54 acre-ft
Surface Area6 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge193 cfs
Year Completed1968 (58 years old)
NID IDOH00201

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: May 25, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Department of Natural Resources

Ownership

Dr. Josh Ervin

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Porter Lake Dam?

Porter 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 Porter Lake Dam?

Porter Lake Dam is owned by Dr. Josh Ervin (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Porter Lake Dam built?

Porter Lake Dam was completed in 1968, making it 58 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 Porter Lake Dam?

Porter 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 Porter Lake Dam?

Porter Lake Dam has a dam height of 30 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 Porter Lake Dam last inspected?

Porter Lake Dam was last inspected on May 25, 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.