Anderson Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Anderson Lake Dam, located in Franklin County, Ohio, is a private earth dam completed in 1961 for recreational purposes.


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Summary

The dam has a height of 25.3 feet and a storage capacity of 37.9 acre-feet, with a maximum discharge rate of 350 cubic feet per second. Situated on a tributary to Big Darby Creek, the dam is regulated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular state inspections and enforcement to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.

Despite its significant hazard potential and poor condition assessment, Anderson Lake Dam serves as a popular recreational spot in the Darbydale area, offering a surface area of 2.8 acres for various outdoor activities. The dam's primary purpose is for recreation, with a normal storage capacity of 17.4 acre-feet. Although it lacks specified spillway information and emergency action plans, the dam's last inspection in November 2020 revealed its need for maintenance and potential risk management measures to mitigate any safety concerns.

With Congressman Steve Stivers representing the area, Anderson Lake Dam remains a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts, prompting discussions on dam safety, risk assessment, and emergency preparedness. As a privately owned structure in a state-regulated jurisdiction, the dam's future maintenance and upgrades will be crucial in ensuring the safety of the surrounding community and maintaining its recreational appeal for years to come.

Year Completed

1961

Dam Length

254

Dam Height

25.3

River Or Stream

TRIBUTARY TO BIG DARBY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2.8

Drainage Area

0.36

Nid Storage

37.9

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

25
       
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.