Walden Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Located in Baltimore, Ohio, the Walden Lake Dam is a private-owned structure regulated by the Department of Natural Resources in Fairfield County.
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Summary
Completed in 1958, this earth dam stands at a height of 16.5 feet and spans a length of 600 feet, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 89.5 acre-feet for recreational purposes. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2020 reported it as poor, indicating a need for maintenance and potential upgrades to ensure its safety and functionality.
The dam's primary purpose is to provide recreational opportunities, such as fishing and boating, for the local community. However, with a drainage area of 1.18 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 910 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow and protecting downstream areas from flooding. While the Walden Lake Dam has not been significantly modified over the years, regular inspections are conducted to monitor its structural integrity and ensure compliance with state regulations.
As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure, the Walden Lake Dam serves as a reminder of the importance of proper maintenance and monitoring of dams to mitigate risks and adapt to changing environmental conditions. With its location near the Little Walnut Creek tributary and its potential impact on the surrounding area, stakeholders must work together to address the dam's maintenance needs and implement risk management measures to safeguard both the dam and the community it serves.
Year Completed |
1958 |
Dam Length |
600 |
Dam Height |
16.5 |
River Or Stream |
TRIBUTARY TO LITTLE WALNUT CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
8.5 |
Drainage Area |
1.18 |
Nid Storage |
89.5 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
17 |
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.
Walden Lake Dam
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