Greenlawn Avenue Low Head Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Greenlawn Avenue Low Head Dam, located in Columbus, Ohio, is a concrete structure built in 1929 for the primary purpose of recreation on the Scioto River.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 11 feet and spanning 490 feet in length, this dam provides a storage capacity of 417 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 125 acres. With a drainage area of 1629 square miles, the dam has a maximum discharge of 54,233 cubic feet per second.

Managed by the Department of Natural Resources, the dam is state-regulated and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and safety. With a significant hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in December 2020 deemed it satisfactory. Emergency action plans are in place, although details on their preparedness and adherence to guidelines are not specified. The dam's location along the Scioto River makes it a crucial water resource for the surrounding area, attracting water resource and climate enthusiasts who appreciate its role in both recreation and flood control efforts.

Year Completed

1929

Dam Length

490

Dam Height

11

River Or Stream

SCIOTO RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

125

Drainage Area

1629

Nid Storage

417

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

11
       
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.