Deer Creek Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Deer Creek Dam, also known as Deer Creek Lake, is a gravity dam located in Pickaway, Ohio, with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction.
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Summary
Completed in 1968 by the US Army Corps of Engineers, the dam stands at a structural height of 93 feet and a hydraulic height of 81 feet. With a storage capacity of 102,540 acre-feet and a surface area of 1,277 acres, Deer Creek Dam plays a crucial role in managing water levels and mitigating flood risks in the area.
The dam features various outlet gates, including slide gates and tainter gates, and a controlled spillway with a width of 126 feet. Despite its hazard potential being rated as high, the dam is well-maintained with an emergency action plan in place and regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity. USACE actively manages flood risks associated with the dam by closely monitoring its condition, engaging with local emergency managers, and updating emergency action plans to be prepared in the event of a dam-related emergency.
As a key component in the flood risk reduction strategy of the area, Deer Creek Dam serves not only to protect downstream communities but also provides recreational opportunities and supports fish and wildlife habitats. The dam's role in managing water flow and maintaining the safety of the surrounding areas highlights the importance of effective risk management measures and ongoing maintenance to ensure the resilience of the infrastructure in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1968 |
Dam Length |
3880 |
River Or Stream |
DEER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
1277 |
Hydraulic Height |
81 |
Drainage Area |
277 |
Nid Storage |
102540 |
Structural Height |
93 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 10, Tainter (radial) - 3, Valve - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
93 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
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.
Deer Creek Dam