Porter Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Porter Lake Dam, also known as Porter Pond, is a privately owned structure located in Dorcas, Meigs County, Ohio.
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Summary
Built in 1968 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 30 feet and stretches 262 feet in length. It serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a surface area of 6 acres and a maximum storage capacity of 73 acre-feet.
Managed by the Department of Natural Resources in Ohio, Porter Lake Dam is deemed to have a significant hazard potential with a fair condition assessment as of 2017. Despite its uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, the dam has undergone regular inspections every 5 years to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations. With a moderate risk rating, the dam plays a crucial role in managing the water resources of the tributary to Yellowbush Creek and providing a recreational haven for locals and visitors alike.
Year Completed |
1968 |
Dam Length |
262 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
TRIBUTARY TO YELLOWBUSH CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6 |
Drainage Area |
0.12 |
Nid Storage |
73 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
30 |
Seasonal Comparison
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Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Porter Lake Dam