Tappan Dam

LITTLE STILLWATER CREEK· Harrison, Ohio· Built 1936· Earth·

High Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Fish And Wildlife Pond Recreation Federal Government

Key Takeaway

Tappan Dam is classified as high hazard in Ohio. It was completed in 1936 and is 90 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. 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 Length	1,550 ft
Dam Type	Earth
Max Storage	61.6K acre-ft
Normal Storage	35.1K acre-ft

Surface Area	2,350 acres
Drainage Area	71 sq mi
Max Discharge	23,700 cfs
Year Completed	1936 (90 years old)
NID ID	OH00010

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: April 4, 2024

State Regulated: No

Ownership

USACE - Huntington District

Federal Government

Nearby Dams

Dover Dam - Zoar Diversion Dam

Harrison, OH

High Hazard 34 ft

Stanley Upper Lake Dam

Carroll, OH

Significant Hazard 37 ft

Stanley Lower Lake Dam

Carroll, OH

Significant Hazard 25 ft

Clendening Dam

Harrison, OH

High Hazard

Leesville Dam

Carroll, OH

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Hills of Eden Lake Dam

Harrison, OH

Low Hazard 16 ft

Scio Pottery Lake Dam

Harrison, OH

Low Hazard 31 ft

Stony Lake Dam

Carroll, OH

Significant Hazard 18 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Tappan Dam?

Tappan Dam 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 Tappan Dam?

Tappan Dam is owned by USACE - Huntington District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Tappan Dam built?

Tappan Dam was completed in 1936, making it 90 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 Tappan Dam?

Tappan Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Fish And Wildlife Pond, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

When was Tappan Dam last inspected?

Tappan Dam was last inspected on April 4, 2024. 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.