Rushcreek Structure No. Iii-E Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Rushcreek Structure No.


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Summary

III-E, also known as Lake St. Joseph, is a significant earth dam located in Perry County, Ohio. Constructed in 1986 by the USDA NRCS, this dam serves as a crucial flood risk reduction measure along the Center Branch Rush Creek. With a height of 42.4 feet and a length of 1120 feet, Rushcreek Structure No. III-E has a storage capacity of 2667 acre-feet and a normal storage of 459 acre-feet, helping to mitigate potential flooding in the area.

Managed by the local government, this dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the Department of Natural Resources in Ohio. The condition assessment in 2017 deemed the structure to be satisfactory, with a significant hazard potential. Despite being uncontrolled, the spillway and outlet gates of Rushcreek Structure No. III-E contribute to its effective flood risk reduction purpose. The risk assessment categorized the dam as moderate, highlighting its importance in managing water resources and climate-related challenges in the region.

Rushcreek Structure No. III-E stands as a vital infrastructure for water resource and climate enthusiasts in Ohio, showcasing the collaborative efforts of government agencies and designers in enhancing flood protection measures. With its strategic location and design elements, this earth dam plays a crucial role in safeguarding the surrounding communities from potential inundation events. As the dam continues to be monitored and maintained, it serves as a testament to the ongoing commitment to sustainable water management practices in the region.

Year Completed

1986

Dam Length

1120

Dam Height

42.4

River Or Stream

CENTER BRANCH RUSH CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

62

Drainage Area

7.6

Nid Storage

2667

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

42
       
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.