Bolivar Dam dam
Bolivar Dam
Bolivar Dam, located in Stark, Ohio, is a vital Earth dam designed by the US Army Corps of Engineers for flood risk reduction on Sandy Creek. Completed in 1938, this dam stands at a structural height of 87 feet and has a hydraulic height of 67 feet, with a total length of 6,300 feet. With a storage capacity of 149,600 acre-feet, Bolivar Dam plays a crucial role in managing water levels and mitigating flood risks in the region.
Managed and funded by the US Army Corps of Engineers, Bolivar Dam is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway and six slide gates for water release. The dam's emergency action plan is regularly updated and meets guidelines to ensure preparedness for any potential risks. With a high hazard potential, the dam is continually monitored and maintained to uphold its structural integrity and protect downstream communities. Through collaboration with local emergency managers and public awareness efforts, Bolivar Dam remains a key component in the overall flood risk management strategy for the area.
As part of the risk management measures, the US Army Corps of Engineers actively engages in ongoing inspections, maintenance, and risk assessment activities to address potential threats and ensure the dam's functionality. By prioritizing actions that reduce risks and working closely with local stakeholders, Bolivar Dam remains a critical infrastructure asset in safeguarding against flood events and protecting the surrounding communities.
Dam data reference
Condition Assessment
- Satisfactory
- No 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Hazard Potential Classification
- High
- Dams 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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Bolivar Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Huff Run At Mineral City Oh | 16 cfs | → |
| Nimishillen Creek At North Industry Oh | 161 cfs | → |
| Sugar Creek At Strasburg Oh | 186 cfs | → |
| Sandy Creek At Waynesburg Oh | 211 cfs | → |
| Tuscarawas River At Massillon Oh | 310 cfs | → |
| W Br Nimishillen Crk At Tuscarawas St At Canton Oh | 17 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Bolivar Dam.
Boat launches
- Beach City Dam Launch Ramp
- Atwood Lake Boat Launch
- Portage Lakes State Park - C 6
- Portage Lakes State Park - Cg
- Portage Lakes State Park - 2 Na
- Portage Lakes State Park - C 1
Campgrounds
- Atwood Lake Campground (Main Gate)
- Towpath Campsite
- Abc Country Camping And Cabins
- Pride Valley Campgrounds
- Harrison Hills Campground
- Petersburg Boat Landing
Fishing spots
Paddle runs
Track Bolivar Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Bolivar Dam
Where does the data for Bolivar Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the High hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Bolivar Dam.