Atwood Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Atwood Dam, also known as Atwood Lake, is a federal-owned structure located in New Cumberland, Ohio, along the Indian Fork of Conotton Creek.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Completed in 1936, this earth dam stands at a height of 65 feet with a hydraulic height of 55 feet and a length of 3700 feet. Its primary purpose is flood risk reduction, while also serving as a fish and wildlife pond and recreation area. With a high hazard potential, the dam poses a risk of significant flooding downstream in cities such as New Philadelphia, New Comerstown, Coshocton, and Zanesville in the event of a breach.

US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is responsible for the management, maintenance, and oversight of Atwood Dam, conducting regular inspections and implementing risk management measures to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam is continuously monitored through a specialized instrumentation system, and emergency response actions are supported by conducting exercises and training with local and state emergency responders. Despite the identified risk of leak erosion along the left abutment, USACE is dedicated to improving the dam's robustness through an Interim Risk Reduction Measures Plan (IRRMP) to address specific concerns and ensure the safety and stability of Atwood Dam for the surrounding communities and infrastructure.

Year Completed

1936

Dam Length

3700

River Or Stream

INDIAN FORK OF CONOTTON CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1540

Hydraulic Height

55

Drainage Area

70

Nid Storage

49700

Structural Height

65

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 3

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

65
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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. 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

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, 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.