Fish Bones Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Fish Bones Lake Dam, located in Senecaville, Ohio, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 2003 for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Standing at a height of 50.9 feet and with a length of 391 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 84.3 acre-feet and serves as a popular spot for water activities and outdoor leisure. Managed by the Department of Natural Resources, the dam is subject to regular state inspection, with a satisfactory condition assessment as of November 2020.

Situated on an unnamed tributary to Seneca Fork of Wills Creek, Fish Bones Lake Dam poses a significant hazard potential due to its size and location. Despite this, the dam maintains a satisfactory condition, with an emergency action plan in place. The dam's spillway width, outlet gates, and risk management measures are not specified in the data, but its strategic design by LOCKWOOD, LANIER, MATHIAS & NOLAND INC ensures its stability and functionality for recreational use. With a drainage area of 0.18 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 993 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region.

In the picturesque setting of Monroe County, Ohio, Fish Bones Lake Dam stands as a testament to engineering excellence and environmental stewardship. As water resource and climate enthusiasts explore the area, they can appreciate the dam's contribution to recreation, flood control, and environmental protection. With a focus on safety and sustainability, the dam continues to be a vital asset in the region's water infrastructure, serving both practical and recreational purposes for the community and visitors alike.

Year Completed

2003

Dam Length

391

Dam Height

50.9

River Or Stream

UNNAMED TRIBUTARY TO SENECA FORK OF WILLS CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4.2

Drainage Area

0.18

Nid Storage

84.3

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

51
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.