Northpark Center Retention Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Northpark Center Retention Dam, located in Montgomery County, Ohio, was completed in 1995 and is designed to reduce flood risks in the area.


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Summary

Owned by the local government and regulated by the Department of Natural Resources, this gravity dam stands at a height of 9.3 feet and has a storage capacity of 64.7 acre-feet. With a normal storage capacity of 14.5 acre-feet and a drainage area of 1.76 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in flood risk reduction for the tributary to the Great Miami River.

Designed by Claude A. Harden, this structure spans 180 feet in length and covers a surface area of 6.7 acres. Its low hazard potential and fair condition assessment make it an essential component of the local water management infrastructure. The dam's last inspection in October 2019 revealed its compliance with safety standards, ensuring its reliability in managing water levels and protecting the surrounding community from potential flooding events. With its strategic location and effective design, the Northpark Center Retention Dam stands as a testament to proactive water resource management and climate resilience efforts in Ohio's Harrison city.

As climate change intensifies the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, structures like the Northpark Center Retention Dam play a vital role in safeguarding communities against flooding. With its state-regulated status and regular inspections, this dam exemplifies the commitment to ensuring public safety and infrastructure resilience in the face of evolving environmental challenges. Its strategic placement and design parameters make it a key asset in the local flood risk reduction efforts, highlighting the importance of proactive water resource management in mitigating the impacts of a changing climate.

Year Completed

1995

Dam Length

180

Dam Height

9.3

River Or Stream

TRIBUTARY TO THE GREAT MIAMI RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

6.7

Drainage Area

1.76

Nid Storage

64.7

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

9
       
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.