Lake Margaret Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Located in Scioto, Ohio, Lake Margaret Dam is a private-owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1953.


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Summary

This earth dam, standing at a height of 35.4 feet with a length of 287 feet, serves primarily for recreational purposes, with a normal storage capacity of 66.6 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 6200 cubic feet per second. The dam is regulated by the Department of Natural Resources in Ohio and has a significant hazard potential, although its condition was assessed as satisfactory during the last inspection in October 2017.

The dam, situated in the RUSHTOWN area and part of the tributary to Candy Run, has a surface area of 7.9 acres and a drainage area of 1.76 square miles. Despite being uncontrolled, the spillway type is designated as uncontrolled, with no outlet gates or associated structures. The risk assessment for Lake Margaret Dam is moderate (3), indicating a certain level of risk that requires ongoing monitoring and management measures. With its picturesque setting and recreational allure, this dam is a vital resource for water enthusiasts and climate conservationists in the region.

Year Completed

1953

Dam Length

287

Dam Height

35.4

River Or Stream

TRIBUTARY TO CANDY RUN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7.9

Drainage Area

1.76

Nid Storage

169

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

35
       
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.