Hart Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Hart Pond Dam, located in Vandalia, Ohio, is a privately owned earth dam constructed in 1952 for recreational purposes.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The dam stands at a height of 25.2 feet and has a length of 315 feet, with a storage capacity of 28.4 acre-feet. Situated on a tributary to the Great Miami River, the dam serves as a popular spot for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and wildlife observation.

Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is rated as poor, indicating a need for maintenance and potential repairs. The last inspection in October 2019 highlighted the need for improved structural integrity to ensure the safety of surrounding communities and the preservation of the dam's recreational functions. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is responsible for regulating, permitting, and inspecting the dam to ensure compliance with state standards and enforcement of safety measures.

With a drainage area of 0.16 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 106 cubic feet per second, Hart Pond Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the Miami, Ohio area. As climate change continues to impact water availability and quality, the maintenance and regulation of dams like Hart Pond Dam become increasingly important in ensuring sustainable water management practices and protecting local ecosystems.

Year Completed

1952

Dam Length

315

Dam Height

25.2

River Or Stream

TRIBUTARY TO GREAT MIAMI RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3

Drainage Area

0.16

Nid Storage

28.4

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

25
       
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.