Knoles Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Knoles Pond Dam, located in Ross County, Ohio, is a privately owned structure with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Built in 1965 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 27.5 feet and has a length of 1116 feet. The dam has a normal storage capacity of 57 acres and is a significant hazard potential, although it was last assessed as being in satisfactory condition in 2017.

The dam is regulated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections, with the most recent one conducted in October 2017. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled, and it is associated with a tributary to Indian Creek. Despite its moderate risk assessment rating, the dam is considered to meet guidelines for emergency action plans, although it lacks inundation maps and risk management measures as of the latest data update in May 2021.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Knoles Pond Dam presents an interesting case study in dam safety and management. With its recreational purpose and state-regulated status, the dam serves as a vital water resource in the area while also posing a significant hazard potential. The ongoing assessments and inspections, along with the presence of a risk assessment rating, highlight the importance of monitoring and maintaining such structures to ensure the safety of surrounding communities and the environment.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

1116

Dam Height

27.5

River Or Stream

TRIBUTARY TO INDIAN CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9.5

Drainage Area

0.21

Nid Storage

157.1

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

28
       
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.