Wellston Reservoir Dam

TRIBUTARY TO LITTLE RACCOON CREEK· Jackson, Ohio· Built 1920· Earth· 41 ft tall
High Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Wellston Reservoir Dam is classified as high hazard in Ohio. It was completed in 1920 and is 106 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 41 ft (taller than 84.4% in OH)
Dam Length460 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage95 acre-ft
Normal Storage78 acre-ft
Surface Area5 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge0 cfs
Year Completed1920 (106 years old)
NID IDOH00813

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: No
Last Inspection: May 11, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Department of Natural Resources

Ownership

City of Wellston

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Wellston Reservoir Dam?

Wellston Reservoir 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 Wellston Reservoir Dam?

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

When was Wellston Reservoir Dam built?

Wellston Reservoir Dam was completed in 1920, making it 106 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 Wellston Reservoir Dam?

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

How tall is Wellston Reservoir Dam?

Wellston Reservoir Dam has a dam height of 41 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 Wellston Reservoir Dam last inspected?

Wellston Reservoir Dam was last inspected on May 11, 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.