Yellow Creek Upground Reservoir Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 19, 2025

Yellow Creek Upground Reservoir, located in Custar, Ohio, is a crucial water supply source for the local community in Putnam County.


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Summary

Constructed in 2006 by Poggemeyer Design Group, this earth dam stands at a height of 30 feet and boasts a storage capacity of 1495 acre-feet. With a normal storage level of 1277 acre-feet and a surface area of 42.5 acres, the reservoir plays a vital role in meeting the water needs of the region.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Yellow Creek Upground Reservoir is subject to regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity. The dam, which sits on Yellow Creek offstream, has a significant hazard potential but was assessed to be in satisfactory condition during the last evaluation in November 2017. In case of emergencies, the reservoir's Emergency Action Plan is periodically reviewed and updated to meet safety guidelines and protect the surrounding area from potential risks.

As a key component of the water supply infrastructure in Putnam County, Yellow Creek Upground Reservoir serves as a testament to effective water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region. With a maximum discharge capacity of 100 cubic feet per second and a drainage area of 0.07 square miles, the reservoir stands as a critical asset in ensuring water security for the local community. Through ongoing monitoring, maintenance, and emergency preparedness measures, this reservoir continues to play a vital role in sustaining the water needs of the area while mitigating potential risks associated with its operation.

Year Completed

2006

Dam Length

6140

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

YELLOW CREEK - OFFSTREAM

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

42.5

Drainage Area

0.07

Nid Storage

1495

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

30
       
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.