Newton Falls Low Head Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Newton Falls Low Head Dam, located on the East Branch Mahoning River in Ohio, is a concrete structure completed in 1908 with a height of 17 feet and a length of 100 feet.


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Summary

Owned by the local government, this dam primarily serves the purpose of water supply, with a storage capacity of 1244 acre-feet and a drainage area of 306 square miles. Despite its age, the dam is in fair condition and is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the Department of Natural Resources in Ohio.

With a significant hazard potential, the Newton Falls Low Head Dam poses a risk that requires regular inspections and maintenance to ensure its structural integrity. The dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 49,102 cubic feet per second and a normal storage level of 843.7 acre-feet. Although its condition assessment is fair, the dam's emergency action plan (EAP) status and risk assessment remain undisclosed, emphasizing the importance of ongoing monitoring and risk management measures to mitigate potential hazards.

Located in Trumbull County, Ohio, the Newton Falls Low Head Dam plays a crucial role in the local water supply infrastructure. As a key component of the East Branch Mahoning River system, the dam's operational status and safety measures are essential for managing water resources and addressing climate-related challenges in the region. Stakeholders, including the local government and regulatory agencies, must continue to prioritize the dam's maintenance and risk management to safeguard both the water supply and the surrounding community from potential threats.

Year Completed

1908

Dam Length

100

Dam Height

17

River Or Stream

EAST BRANCH MAHONING RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

120.5

Drainage Area

306

Nid Storage

1244

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

17
       
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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.