Rio Grande Reservoir

TRIBUTARY TO INDIAN CREEK· Gallia, Ohio· Built 1959· Earth· 30 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Rio Grande Reservoir is classified as high hazard in Ohio. It was completed in 1959 and is 67 years old. Its primary use is recreation. 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 30 ft (taller than 61.5% in OH)
Dam Length325 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage135 acre-ft
Normal Storage112 acre-ft
Surface Area7 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge562 cfs
Year Completed1959 (67 years old)
NID IDOH00285

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 17, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Department of Natural Resources

Ownership

Village of Rio Grande

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Rio Grande Reservoir?

Rio Grande 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 Rio Grande Reservoir?

Rio Grande Reservoir is owned by Village of Rio Grande (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Rio Grande Reservoir built?

Rio Grande Reservoir was completed in 1959, making it 67 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 Rio Grande Reservoir?

Rio Grande Reservoir 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 Rio Grande Reservoir?

Rio Grande Reservoir 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 Rio Grande Reservoir last inspected?

Rio Grande Reservoir was last inspected on June 17, 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.