Nova Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Nova Pond Dam, located in Fitchville, Ohio, is a privately owned structure built in 1930 by the B&O Railroad.


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Summary

With a height of 15.2 feet and a length of 1400 feet, this earth dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, providing a storage capacity of 169.2 acre-feet and covering a surface area of 25.6 acres. The dam is regulated by the Department of Natural Resources in Ohio, ensuring that it is inspected, permitted, and enforced in accordance with state regulations.

Despite its historical significance, Nova Pond Dam is currently assessed as being in poor condition with a significant hazard potential. The last inspection in 2016 revealed the need for maintenance and potential risk mitigation measures. While the dam does not have a designated emergency action plan or updated inundation maps, it remains a crucial structure for water resource management and climate enthusiasts interested in the conservation and preservation of Ohio's aquatic ecosystems. With its proximity to Buck Creek and drainage area of 1.07 square miles, Nova Pond Dam presents both challenges and opportunities for sustainable water management practices in the region.

Year Completed

1930

Dam Length

1400

Dam Height

15.2

River Or Stream

TRIBUTARY TO BUCK CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

25.6

Drainage Area

1.07

Nid Storage

169.2

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

15
       
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.