Bucyrus Reservoir No. 1 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bucyrus Reservoir No.


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Summary

1 Dam, also known as Neff Reservoir, is a vital structure located in Crawford, Ohio, that serves a primary purpose of recreation. Completed in 1900, this earth dam stands at a height of 17.6 feet and has a length of 1070 feet. It offers a storage capacity of 878 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 220 acre-feet and a surface area of 35 acres.

Despite its historical significance, the dam is currently classified as having a high hazard potential and a poor condition assessment as of May 2018. The Department of Natural Resources in Ohio regulates this dam, ensuring its compliance with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements. The reservoir is a tributary to the Sandusky River and plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area.

With its rich history and importance for both water resource management and recreation, Bucyrus Reservoir No. 1 Dam stands as a significant landmark in Crawford County, Ohio. Its maintenance and upkeep are essential to ensure the safety of surrounding communities and the preservation of this valuable resource for future generations of water resource and climate enthusiasts.

Year Completed

1900

Dam Length

1070

Dam Height

17.6

River Or Stream

TRIBUTARY TO SANDUSKY RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

35

Drainage Area

3.2

Nid Storage

878

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

18
       
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.