West Reservoir Dam
Key Takeaway
West Reservoir Dam is classified as high hazard in Ohio. It was completed in 1840 and is 186 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 | 22 ft (taller than 33.3% in OH) |
| Dam Length | 300 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 8.8K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 6.9K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 900 acres |
| Drainage Area | 13 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 110 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1840 (186 years old) |
| NID ID | OH00585 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
ODNR, Division of Parks & Watercraft
State Government
Nearby Dams
North Reservoir Dam
Summit, OH
High Hazard 13 ftEast Reservoir Dam
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High Hazard 25 ftLong Lake Dam
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Significant Hazard 12 ftTuscarawas River Diversion Dam
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High Hazard 26 ftNimisila Reservoir Dam
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High Hazard 44 ftColumbia Lake Dam
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Significant Hazard 17 ftComet Lake Dam
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High Hazard 26 ftCrouse Pond Dam
Summit, OH
Significant Hazard 12 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of West Reservoir Dam?
West 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 West Reservoir Dam?
West Reservoir Dam is owned by ODNR, Division of Parks & Watercraft (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was West Reservoir Dam built?
West Reservoir Dam was completed in 1840, making it 186 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 West Reservoir Dam?
West Reservoir Dam serves the following purposes: Water Supply, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is West Reservoir Dam?
West Reservoir Dam has a dam height of 22 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 West Reservoir Dam last inspected?
West Reservoir Dam was last inspected on April 14, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.