Lake Viering Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Viering Dam, also known as Jelloway Lake, is a privately owned structure located in Knox County, Ohio.


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Summary

Completed in 1964, this earth dam stands at a height of 47 feet and spans 800 feet in length, creating a reservoir with a maximum storage capacity of 504 acre-feet. The primary purpose of the dam is for recreation, providing a surface area of 29.8 acres for enthusiasts to enjoy water-based activities.

Despite its recreational appeal, Lake Viering Dam poses a high hazard potential according to assessments, with a poor condition as of the last inspection in December 2019. The dam is regulated and inspected by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, ensuring compliance with state regulations. The structure overlooks Little Jelloway Creek and plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region, with a drainage area of 0.27 square miles and a normal storage capacity of 389.9 acre-feet.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in Lake Viering Dam will find its history and design intriguing, as well as the challenges it faces in terms of maintenance and hazard potential. The dam's location in Howard, Ohio, and its proximity to the Buffalo District of the US Army Corps of Engineers add to its significance in the local landscape. As a recreational and regulatory structure, Lake Viering Dam represents a balance between human enjoyment of water resources and the necessity of safe and effective infrastructure in managing them.

Year Completed

1964

Dam Length

800

Dam Height

47

River Or Stream

LITTLE JELLOWAY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

29.8

Drainage Area

0.27

Nid Storage

504

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

47
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.