Bluffton College Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 19, 2025
Bluffton College Lake Dam, located in Pandora, Ohio, was completed in 1967 by the USDA NRCS and serves primarily for recreational purposes.
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Summary
This earth dam, with a height of 23 feet and a length of 1340 feet, impounds the waters of TRIB-RILEY CREEK, creating a surface area of 7 acres and a storage capacity of 56 acre-feet. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 20 feet and is classified as having a low hazard potential.
Despite being privately owned and not regulated by the state, the dam's risk assessment is moderate, with a DSAC assigned date and no emergency action plan in place. The condition assessment is listed as 'Not Rated', highlighting the need for further evaluation and potential improvements to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure. Water resource and climate enthusiasts may find Bluffton College Lake Dam an intriguing subject for study and monitoring due to its historical significance and the potential implications of its risk profile on the surrounding environment and community.
Year Completed |
1967 |
Dam Length |
1340 |
Dam Height |
23 |
River Or Stream |
TRIB-RILEY CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7 |
Hydraulic Height |
23 |
Drainage Area |
0.04 |
Nid Storage |
56 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
23 |
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.
Bluffton College Lake Dam