Lake Choctaw Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Choctaw Dam in Lafayette, Ohio, stands as a testament to engineering excellence and environmental stewardship.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Built in 1964 by the Ralph L Woolpert Co., Consulting Engineers, this private-owned earth dam on Deer Creek serves primarily for recreation, offering a serene retreat for water resource and climate enthusiasts. With a height of 42 feet and a length of 925 feet, the dam creates a reservoir with a storage capacity of 7,783 acre-feet and a surface area of 247 acres.

Managed by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, the dam undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and functionality. The last assessment in October 2017 deemed the structure to be in satisfactory condition, despite its high hazard potential. In case of emergencies, an Emergency Action Plan is in place, with the most recent revision in June 2020. With its important role in flood control and water storage, Lake Choctaw Dam highlights the crucial intersection between infrastructure development and environmental conservation.

Situated in Madison County, Ohio, Lake Choctaw Dam not only provides a picturesque backdrop for outdoor activities but also serves as a vital component of the local ecosystem. With its strategic location along Deer Creek and a drainage area of 25.3 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow and mitigating flood risks in the surrounding region. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the careful monitoring and maintenance of structures like Lake Choctaw Dam are essential to ensure sustainable water management practices for future generations.

Year Completed

1964

Dam Length

925

Dam Height

42

River Or Stream

DEER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

247

Drainage Area

25.3

Nid Storage

7783

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

42
       
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.