Lake Katharine Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Lake Katharine Dam in Ohio, completed in 1945, serves as a vital water resource for the region, with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Located in Jackson County, the earth dam stands at a height of 29.3 feet, with a storage capacity of 560 acre-feet. The dam is situated on Rock Run Creek and covers an impressive surface area of 52.7 acres, providing a serene and picturesque setting for water enthusiasts and nature lovers to enjoy.

Despite its recreational appeal, Lake Katharine Dam poses a significant hazard potential due to its poor condition assessment as of the last inspection in September 2017. The dam is regulated by the Department of Natural Resources in Ohio, ensuring that state inspection, permitting, and enforcement measures are in place. With a drainage area of 2.95 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 590 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow and storage in the region.

While Lake Katharine Dam offers a tranquil setting for recreational activities, its condition assessment highlights the need for ongoing maintenance and risk management measures to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure. As water resource and climate enthusiasts continue to appreciate the beauty and functionality of this dam, efforts to address its poor condition and reduce potential hazards are essential to protect both the environment and the surrounding communities.

Year Completed

1945

Dam Length

260

Dam Height

29.3

River Or Stream

ROCK RUN CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

52.7

Drainage Area

2.95

Nid Storage

560

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

29
       
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.