Michael J. Kirwan Dam dam
Michael J. Kirwan Dam
Michael J. Kirwan Dam, located in Ohio, serves as a vital flood risk reduction structure along the West Branch of the Mahoning River. Completed in 1966, this federal-owned earth dam stands at a hydraulic height of 77 feet and a structural height of 83 feet, with a storage capacity of 124,000 acre-feet. Despite its risk management measures and emergency action plans, a moderate hazard potential is associated with the dam due to the possibility of uncontrolled high-volume water releases during extreme storm events.
In the event of a catastrophic failure, downstream communities such as Niles, Newton Falls, Warren, Youngstown in Ohio, and New Castle and Beaver Falls in Pennsylvania could face swift and deep floodwaters that would result in significant property damage and potential loss of life. Risk assessments have identified key scenarios, including a collapse of the concrete spillway, erosion of embankment soils, and dam breach, which could lead to devastating flooding. To mitigate these risks, continuous monitoring and coordination with state and local emergency managers, as well as public engagement efforts, are crucial for enhancing preparedness and response capabilities.
To safeguard public safety, ongoing efforts include close collaboration with the US Geologic Survey and National Weather Service to provide real-time lake level information to the public. By staying proactive in monitoring the dam's condition and responding to potential high water events, the management of Michael J. Kirwan Dam remains committed to reducing the risks posed by this critical infrastructure to downstream 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 Michael J. Kirwan Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| West Branch Mahoning River At Wayland Oh | 99 cfs | → |
| Mahoning River At Pricetown Oh | 171 cfs | → |
| Mahoning River Bl Berlin Dam Nr Berlin Center Oh | 101 cfs | → |
| Eagle Creek At Phalanx Station Oh | 122 cfs | → |
| Mahoning River At Leavittsburg Oh | 454 cfs | → |
| Cuyahoga River At Hiram Rapids Oh | 198 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Michael J. Kirwan Dam.
Boat launches
- West Ramp
- West Branch State Park - Fishermans Lot
- Lake Milton State Park Ramp
- Lake Milton State Park - Robinson Point Ramp
- Berlin Lake Boat Ramp
- Lake Hodgson
Campgrounds
- West Branch State Park
- Camp Asbury
- Mill Creek - Berlin Reservoir
- Kool Lakes Family Campground
- Silver Springs - Stow
- Mosquito Lake State Park
Fishing spots
Paddle runs
Track Michael J. Kirwan 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 Michael J. Kirwan Dam
Where does the data for Michael J. Kirwan 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 Michael J. Kirwan Dam.