Hoover Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Hoover Dam, located in Ohio along the Big Walnut Creek, stands as a testament to engineering excellence and foresight in water resource management.


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Summary

Built in 1956 by Burgess and Niple, Ltd., this earth dam with a height of 85.5 feet serves primarily as a water supply source for the region. With a storage capacity of 145,079 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 72,510 acre-feet, Hoover Dam plays a crucial role in ensuring water availability for the community.

The dam's hazard potential is rated as high, but its condition assessment is considered fair as of the last inspection in June 2020. Despite the risks associated with its operation, Hoover Dam continues to provide vital water resources to Franklin County, Ohio. With a surface area of 3,073 acres and a drainage area of 190 square miles, the dam plays a critical role in managing water flow and storage in the region, contributing to both water supply and flood control efforts.

Managed by the Department of Natural Resources in Ohio, Hoover Dam is a key infrastructure project that underscores the importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of changing climates. As climate enthusiasts and water resource advocates, the significance of Hoover Dam lies not only in its engineering marvel but also in its role in safeguarding water security for the community it serves.

Year Completed

1956

Dam Length

2583

Dam Height

85.5

River Or Stream

BIG WALNUT CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3073

Drainage Area

190

Nid Storage

145079

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

86
       
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.