Wills Creek Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Wills Creek Dam, also known as Wills Creek Lake, is a Federal-owned structure located in Coshocton, Ohio.
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Summary
Built in 1936 by the US Army Corps of Engineers, the dam serves multiple purposes including flood risk reduction, fish and wildlife pond, and recreation. With a hydraulic height of 65 feet and a structural height of 87 feet, Wills Creek Dam has a storage capacity of 196,000 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 900 acres.
The dam is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway and six slide (sluice gate) outlet gates. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam is well-maintained and meets all necessary guidelines for emergency preparedness. The US Army Corps of Engineers actively manages dam-related flood risks by monitoring the dam's condition, prioritizing risk-reducing activities, and collaborating with local emergency managers to ensure public safety in the event of a dam-related emergency. Overall, Wills Creek Dam stands as a vital infrastructure for flood control and water resource management in the region.
As a water resource and climate enthusiast, one can appreciate the engineering prowess behind Wills Creek Dam and its role in mitigating flood risks while supporting wildlife habitat and recreational activities. By understanding the dam's design, operation, and emergency response measures, enthusiasts can gain a deeper appreciation for the complex interplay between water resources, infrastructure, and environmental stewardship in managing our nation's waterways.
Year Completed |
1936 |
Dam Length |
1950 |
River Or Stream |
WILLS CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
900 |
Hydraulic Height |
65 |
Drainage Area |
842 |
Nid Storage |
196000 |
Structural Height |
87 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 6 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
87 |
Seasonal Comparison
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Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Wills Creek Dam