Wetherall Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Mcgill Pond Dam Donley Lake Dam
Last Updated: February 21, 2026
Wetherall Lake Dam, located in Canal Winchester, Ohio, is a privately-owned structure with a primary purpose of recreation.
Summary
Built in 1956 by the USDA Soil Conservation Service, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 25 feet and spans 300 feet in length. It has a storage capacity of 58 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 23 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 4.3 acres and draining a 0.57 square mile watershed that feeds into Sycamore Creek.
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Wetherall Lake Dam is regulated and inspected by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, with the last inspection conducted in November 2020. The dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 1051 cubic feet per second, but lacks spillway information. The surrounding area offers recreational opportunities and the dam serves as a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts in Fairfield County, Ohio.
With a history of over six decades, Wetherall Lake Dam continues to provide valuable recreational resources for the community while being subject to state regulatory oversight and periodic inspections to ensure its continued safety and functionality. Its strategic location near Sycamore Creek makes it an important component of the local watershed management system, highlighting the intersection of human infrastructure and natural ecosystems in the context of water resource and climate management.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
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Humidity
15-Day Weather Outlook
Year Completed |
1956 |
Dam Length |
300 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
TRIBUTARY TO SYCAMORE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4.3 |
Drainage Area |
0.57 |
Nid Storage |
58 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
25 |
Seasonal Comparison
5-Day Hourly Forecast Detail
Nearby Streamflow Levels
South Fork Licking River At Kirkersville Oh
|
298cfs |
Big Walnut Creek At Rees Oh
|
1720cfs |
Scioto River At Columbus Oh
|
5270cfs |
Scioto River Near Commercial Point Oh
|
10300cfs |
Walnut Creek At Ashville Oh
|
3010cfs |
South Fork Licking River Near Hebron Oh
|
2080cfs |
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.
Wetherall Lake Dam