Southern Silica Pond No. 1 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Southern Silica Pond No.


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Summary

1 Dam, located in Omega, Ohio, is a privately owned earth dam built in 1955 for recreational purposes. Standing at a height of 30.9 feet, the dam controls a tributary to Whiskey Run and has a storage capacity of 50.1 acre-feet. Despite its small size, the dam has a high hazard potential and was rated as unsatisfactory during its last inspection in October 2016.

Managed by Southern Silica, Inc., the dam is regulated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections, with the next one scheduled for 2021. The dam's drainage area is 0.31 square miles, with a maximum discharge capacity of 79 cubic feet per second. With no spillway and limited emergency preparedness measures in place, the dam presents a potential risk to downstream communities in case of failure.

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate may find interest in the unique characteristics and challenges posed by Southern Silica Pond No. 1 Dam. As a privately owned recreational structure in a rural area, the dam highlights the importance of proper maintenance and emergency planning to mitigate risks to both the environment and public safety. Ongoing monitoring and potential upgrades may be necessary to ensure the long-term resilience of this small but significant water resource feature in Ross County, Ohio.

Year Completed

1955

Dam Length

317

Dam Height

30.9

River Or Stream

TRIBUTARY TO WHISKEY RUN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Drainage Area

0.31

Nid Storage

50.1

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

31
       
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.