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