Waller Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Waller Lake Dam in Ohio stands as a vital water resource and recreational site, completed in 1955 with a primary purpose for recreation.
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Summary
The dam, located in Lawrence County, Ohio, along the Little Ice Creek, has a height of 24.4 feet and a length of 210 feet, providing a storage capacity of 39.9 acre-feet. Despite its recreational value, the dam poses a high hazard potential and is currently in poor condition, with the last inspection in November 2020 highlighting the need for improvements.
Managed by a private owner, the Waller Lake Dam is regulated by the Department of Natural Resources in Ohio, ensuring state jurisdiction, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The dam's location in Forestdale, Ohio, offers visitors a serene escape with a surface area of 4.1 acres and a drainage area of 0.6 square miles. However, with a hazard potential classified as high and a poor condition assessment, there is a pressing need for maintenance and risk management measures to safeguard both the dam's structural integrity and the surrounding community.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Waller Lake Dam serves as a case study in balancing the recreational benefits of dam infrastructure with the importance of maintaining safety and environmental sustainability. With its historical significance dating back to the 1950s and its crucial role in providing water storage and recreational opportunities, the dam presents a compelling opportunity for stakeholders to collaborate on improving its condition and mitigating potential risks to ensure its long-term viability and safety for future generations.
Year Completed |
1955 |
Dam Length |
210 |
Dam Height |
24.4 |
River Or Stream |
LITTLE ICE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4.1 |
Drainage Area |
0.6 |
Nid Storage |
39.9 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
24 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Symmes Creek At Aid Oh
|
110cfs |
Ohio River At Ironton
|
25600cfs |
Ohio River At Greenup Dam Near Greenup
|
33900cfs |
Tygarts Creek Near Greenup
|
85cfs |
Little Sandy River At Grayson
|
248cfs |
Raccoon Creek At Adamsville Oh
|
130cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.
Hazard Potential Classification
HighDams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Iron Ridge Campground
|
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Oak Hill Campground
|
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Pine Knob Loop
|
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Two Point Group Campground
|
Waller Lake Dam
16th Street Ashland