Knox Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Knox Lake Dam, located in Fredericktown, Ohio, stands as a critical structure along the East Branch of the North Branch Kokosing River.


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Summary

Built in 1954, this earth-type dam serves primarily for recreation, offering a surface area of 473 acres for visitors to enjoy. With a dam height of 51.5 feet and a storage capacity of 15,800 acre-feet, Knox Lake Dam plays a significant role in water resource management in Knox County.

Despite its important role in providing recreational opportunities and managing water resources, Knox Lake Dam has been assessed as being in poor condition with a high hazard potential. The Department of Natural Resources of Ohio is responsible for regulating, inspecting, and enforcing the safety of the dam. The last inspection in December 2019 revealed the need for improvements, highlighting the importance of ongoing maintenance and risk management measures to ensure the safety and integrity of the dam.

As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure, the maintenance and safety of dams like Knox Lake Dam become increasingly critical. With a focus on enhancing its condition assessment, emergency action plan, and risk management measures, stakeholders must work together to address the challenges posed by aging infrastructure and changing environmental conditions to protect both the dam and the surrounding community from potential hazards.

Year Completed

1954

Dam Length

500

Dam Height

51.5

River Or Stream

EAST BRANCH OF NORTH BRANCH KOKOSING RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

473

Drainage Area

31.4

Nid Storage

15800

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

52
       
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.