Christian Center Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Christian Center Lake Dam, located in Kirkersville, Ohio, is a private dam managed by the USDA NRCS.
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Summary
Constructed in 1974, this earth dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, providing a surface area of 9 acres and a storage capacity of 96 acre-feet. The dam stands at a height of 27 feet and stretches 275 feet in length, with a drainage area of 0.24 square miles. Despite its significant hazard potential and poor condition assessment, the dam is regulated, inspected, and permitted by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, ensuring compliance with state jurisdiction and enforcement.
The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, with an uncontrolled outlet gate system and a maximum discharge capacity of 228 cubic feet per second. Its foundation consists of soil, while the core material is made of stone. Although the dam has not been modified in recent years, regular inspections occur every 5 years, with the last assessment conducted in December 2020. The risk assessment for Christian Center Lake Dam indicates a moderate risk level (3), prompting the need for continued monitoring and potential risk management measures to ensure the safety of the surrounding area and downstream communities.
In the realm of water resource and climate enthusiasts, Christian Center Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study of a privately owned structure with public safety implications. With its historical significance dating back to the 1970s, the dam's design and construction by the NRCS reflect a balance between recreational benefits and potential risks associated with its condition assessment. As climate change continues to influence hydrological patterns and extreme weather events, the maintenance and management of dams like Christian Center Lake Dam become increasingly crucial in safeguarding water resources and mitigating hazards posed by aging infrastructure.
Year Completed |
1974 |
Dam Length |
275 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
TRIBUTARY TO SOUTH FORK LICKING RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
9 |
Drainage Area |
0.24 |
Nid Storage |
96 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
27 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Christian Center Lake Dam
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