Decker Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Swift Run Lake Dam Echo Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 19, 2025
Decker Lake Dam, located in Piqua, Ohio, is a state-regulated earth dam completed in 1940 for recreational purposes along Patterson Run.
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Summary
With a height of 16.2 feet and a length of 305 feet, the dam provides a storage capacity of 163 acre-feet. Despite its significant hazard potential, the dam is currently in poor condition, as indicated by the last inspection in October 2019.
Owned and regulated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Decker Lake Dam faces challenges in maintaining its structural integrity and safety due to its age and condition. The dam's primary purpose of recreation highlights its importance in providing water resources for outdoor activities in the Miami County area. However, with a poor condition assessment and a significant hazard potential, there is a pressing need for ongoing maintenance and potential risk management measures to ensure the safety of the surrounding community and ecosystem.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in Decker Lake Dam can appreciate its historical significance as a recreational structure in Ohio, while also recognizing the importance of regular inspections and maintenance to mitigate potential risks. As a state-regulated dam with a significant hazard potential, the dam serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between water resource management and environmental conservation in the face of changing climate conditions. With its location along Patterson Run and its storage capacity of 163 acre-feet, Decker Lake Dam remains a critical piece of infrastructure that requires continued attention and investment to safeguard its longevity and functionality for future generations.
Year Completed |
1940 |
Dam Length |
305 |
Dam Height |
16.2 |
River Or Stream |
PATTERSON RUN |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
17 |
Drainage Area |
2.65 |
Nid Storage |
163 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
16 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Decker Lake Dam