Terry Thompson Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Hargus Lake Dam Village Of Amanda Dam
Last Updated: December 21, 2025
Terry Thompson Dam, located in Pickaway, Ohio, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1995 primarily for recreational purposes.
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Summary
With a height of 27.4 feet and a length of 412 feet, the dam serves as a vital component in the management of the Scippo Creek tributary, offering a storage capacity of 103 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 54 acre-feet. Despite its recreational focus, the dam has been given a poor condition assessment, indicating potential maintenance issues that may need to be addressed in the future.
Managed by the Department of Natural Resources in Ohio, Terry Thompson Dam poses a significant hazard potential due to its condition and the surrounding area it protects. With a drainage area of 0.31 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 618 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in flood control and water resource management in the region. Although inspections are conducted every 5 years, the dam's condition and risk assessment are areas of concern that require ongoing monitoring and potential mitigation measures.
Considering its location in Thacher, Ohio, and its ownership by private entities, Terry Thompson Dam represents a key infrastructure asset for the community in terms of water resource management and recreational opportunities. As climate change impacts continue to influence precipitation patterns and water availability, the importance of maintaining and improving dam infrastructure like Terry Thompson Dam becomes increasingly evident. Enthusiasts and stakeholders in water resources and climate resilience should closely monitor the dam's condition and any future developments to ensure its effectiveness and safety for both recreational and protective purposes.
Year Completed |
1995 |
Dam Length |
412 |
Dam Height |
27.4 |
River Or Stream |
TRIBUTARY TO SCIPPO CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
8 |
Drainage Area |
0.31 |
Nid Storage |
103 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
27 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Scioto River At Circleville Oh
|
5510cfs |
Clear Creek Near Rockbridge Oh
|
132cfs |
Walnut Creek At Ashville Oh
|
731cfs |
Scioto River At Chillicothe Oh
|
7320cfs |
Paint Creek At Chillicothe Oh
|
4700cfs |
Hocking River At Enterprise Oh
|
580cfs |
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.
Terry Thompson Dam