The OSU Golf Course Lake Dam in Upper Arlington, Ohio, is a state-regulated dam designed by the OSU Agricultural Engineering Department and completed in 1936.
Wind
Humidity
The dam serves primarily as a water supply source, with a storage capacity of 84 acre-feet and a drainage area of 1.37 square miles. Located on the Turkey Run river, the dam has a height of 16.8 feet and a length of 420 feet, providing a surface area of 8.6 acres.
With a significant hazard potential and a fair condition assessment as of the last inspection in December 2020, the OSU Golf Course Lake Dam is subject to regular state inspections, permitting, and enforcement by the Department of Natural Resources. The dam's emergency action plan was last revised in June 2020, and it meets guidelines for risk management measures. The dam's structure, while functional for its intended purpose, requires ongoing maintenance and monitoring to ensure its continued safety and effectiveness in managing water resources in the area.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the OSU Golf Course Lake Dam offers a fascinating example of how human-engineered structures can shape and control natural water systems. From its construction by the agricultural engineering department of Ohio State University to its current regulatory oversight by the state government, this dam on the Turkey Run river plays a crucial role in providing water supply to the surrounding area. As climate change impacts continue to affect water availability and quality, understanding and managing dams like this one will be essential for ensuring sustainable water resource management in the future.
Year Completed |
1936 |
Dam Length |
420 |
Dam Height |
16.8 |
River Or Stream |
TURKEY RUN |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
8.6 |
Drainage Area |
1.37 |
Nid Storage |
84 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
17 |