Upper Wabash Structure No. 3 Dam

FORT CREEK· Mercer, Ohio· Built 1963· Earth· 28 ft tall
High Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Local Government

Key Takeaway

Upper Wabash Structure No. 3 Dam is classified as high hazard in Ohio. It was completed in 1963 and is 63 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 Height 28 ft (taller than 54.7% in OH)
Dam Length1,955 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage1.7K acre-ft
Normal Storage394 acre-ft
Surface Area78 acres
Drainage Area5 sq mi
Max Discharge9,598 cfs
Year Completed1963 (63 years old)
NID IDOH00579

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: October 17, 2019
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Department of Natural Resources

Ownership

Wabash River Conservancy District

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Upper Wabash Structure No. 3 Dam?

Upper Wabash Structure No. 3 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 Upper Wabash Structure No. 3 Dam?

Upper Wabash Structure No. 3 Dam is owned by Wabash River Conservancy District (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Upper Wabash Structure No. 3 Dam built?

Upper Wabash Structure No. 3 Dam was completed in 1963, making it 63 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 Upper Wabash Structure No. 3 Dam?

Upper Wabash Structure No. 3 Dam 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 Upper Wabash Structure No. 3 Dam?

Upper Wabash Structure No. 3 Dam has a dam height of 28 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 Upper Wabash Structure No. 3 Dam last inspected?

Upper Wabash Structure No. 3 Dam was last inspected on October 17, 2019. 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.