Chippewa Creek Structure V-D Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Chippewa Creek Structure V-D, located in Wayne County, Ohio, is a vital earth dam constructed in 1971 by the USDA NRCS to mitigate flood risks along the Steele Ditch waterway.


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Summary

This structure stands at a height of 31.5 feet and spans 470 feet in length, providing significant flood risk reduction benefits to the surrounding area. With a storage capacity of 265.6 acre-feet and a drainage area of 2.15 square miles, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow and protecting the community from potential flooding events.

Managed and regulated by the Department of Natural Resources in Ohio, Chippewa Creek Structure V-D is subject to regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and functionality. Despite being classified as having a significant hazard potential, the dam is assessed as being in satisfactory condition, with a moderate risk rating. The emergency action plan for the dam is currently under review, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and risk management in the face of potential emergencies. Overall, Chippewa Creek Structure V-D serves as a critical infrastructure piece in safeguarding the local environment and community from water-related risks and impacts.

Year Completed

1971

Dam Length

470

Dam Height

31.5

River Or Stream

STEELE DITCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6.7

Drainage Area

2.15

Nid Storage

265.6

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

32
       
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.