Bethesda Reservoir Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bethesda Reservoir Dam, located in Armstrong Mills, Ohio, is a crucial water supply structure designed by the Hanna Coal Company and completed in 1959.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 29.9 feet and has a length of 550 feet, providing a storage capacity of 193 acre-feet. Its primary purpose is water supply, with a normal storage capacity of 98 acre-feet and a surface area of 13.9 acres.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Bethesda Reservoir Dam is inspected every 5 years to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Despite being classified as having a significant hazard potential, the dam's condition is assessed as satisfactory, with the latest assessment conducted in November 2017. The dam's emergency action plan is up to date, with the last revision in July 2020, ensuring preparedness for any potential risks.

With its strategic location as a tributary to Bend Fork, Bethesda Reservoir Dam plays a vital role in providing water supply to the surrounding area. Climate and water resource enthusiasts would be fascinated by the engineering and regulatory aspects of this essential infrastructure, ensuring the sustainability and safety of water resources in Belmont County, Ohio.

Year Completed

1959

Dam Length

550

Dam Height

29.9

River Or Stream

TRIBUTARY TO BEND FORK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

13.9

Drainage Area

0.35

Nid Storage

193

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

30
       
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.