North Broadway Low Head Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The North Broadway Low Head Dam in Columbus, Ohio, is a gravity dam completed in 1969 on the Olentangy River.


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Summary

With a height of 6.1 feet and a length of 190 feet, this dam serves multiple purposes, including flood control and water storage. Managed by the City of Columbus, the dam is regulated by the Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity.

The dam has a significant hazard potential, but its condition was assessed as fair during the last inspection in December 2020. With a storage capacity of 132.2 acre-feet and a drainage area of 522 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area. Despite the potential risks associated with the dam, its fair condition and regular inspections help mitigate these hazards and ensure the safety of the surrounding community.

The North Broadway Low Head Dam is a key feature on the Olentangy River, providing essential water management functions for the City of Columbus. As a gravity dam, it stands as a testament to engineering excellence and plays a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance of the river ecosystem. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, monitoring the condition and management of dams like North Broadway Low Head Dam is crucial for understanding the intersection of water infrastructure and environmental sustainability in urban areas like Columbus, Ohio.

Year Completed

1969

Dam Length

190

Dam Height

6.1

River Or Stream

OLENTANGY RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

65

Drainage Area

522

Nid Storage

132.2

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

6
       
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.