Lake Wapusun Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Lake Wapusun Dam, located in Wayne County, Ohio, is a privately owned structure on the Lake Fork of the Mohican River.


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Summary

Built in 1969, this earth dam stands at a height of 34.4 feet and has a length of 790 feet, providing recreational opportunities for visitors. With a storage capacity of 281 acre-feet, the dam covers a surface area of 14.2 acres and serves as a significant water resource in the region.

Despite its recreational value, Lake Wapusun Dam is currently assessed to be in poor condition, with a significant hazard potential. The dam is regulated by the Department of Natural Resources in Ohio and undergoes regular inspections, with the last one conducted in November 2019. The dam's emergency action plan status and risk assessment measures are not fully specified in the available data, suggesting a need for further evaluation and management to ensure the safety and stability of the structure.

In the realm of water resource and climate enthusiasts, Lake Wapusun Dam presents a case that calls for attention to its maintenance and risk mitigation strategies. As a privately owned asset that serves both recreational and water storage purposes, the dam's condition assessment indicates a need for improved management practices to safeguard the surrounding area and ensure its long-term sustainability. With its location on the Lake Fork of the Mohican River and its vital role in the local ecosystem, the dam's significance underscores the importance of proactive measures to address potential hazards and enhance its resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1969

Dam Length

790

Dam Height

34.4

River Or Stream

LAKE FORK OF THE MOHICAN RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

14.2

Drainage Area

0.46

Nid Storage

281

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

34
       
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.