OHIO RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: January 11, 2026

Ohio's dams and reservoirs play a critical role in water storage, flood control, and recreation. However, recent observations indicate some deviations from typical levels. The O'Shaughnessy Reservoir near Dublin, Ohio, for instance, shows a current water surface elevation of 848 feet, which is slightly above the average of 847.63 feet, based on the National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929 (NGVD 1929). This elevation represents the water level at the last observation on January 11, 2026. While a minor deviation, such fluctuations in water levels can be indicative of broader hydrological changes, affecting water management and potentially signaling shifts in local climate patterns.

Upon examining the provided data and considering the absence of cross-referenced sources, the elevation increase at the O'Shaughnessy Reservoir may suggest above-normal inflows, which could be due to higher than average precipitation, snowmelt, or altered river flows upstream. The lack of information on snowpack conditions or river flows precludes a definitive assessment of the causes of this anomaly. However, reservoir levels across Ohio typically depend on these factors, and any significant divergence from the mean could be a sign of environmental stressors or management practices in need of review. It is important to monitor such trends over time and to compare with broader datasets to understand the full scope of these abnormalities and to implement any necessary response measures to ensure the safety and sustainability of water resources in Ohio.

Ohio has several major reservoirs, including Buckeye Lake, Grand Lake St. Marys, and Caesar Creek Lake. These reservoirs are fed by various streams, rivers, and creeks, such as the Licking River, the St. Marys River, and Caesar Creek. Ohio does not have any significant snowpack or mountains that affect its reservoirs. The hydrology of Ohio is primarily influenced by the state's geography, which is characterized by rolling hills and flat plains. Records show that Ohio has experienced major floods in the past, including the Great Dayton Flood of 1913, which resulted in significant damage and loss of life. Drought conditions in Ohio have been relatively rare, but the state has experienced occasional droughts over the years. Seasonal trends show that spring and summer are typically the wettest seasons in Ohio, while fall and winter are drier. Overall, Ohio's reservoirs and dams play a crucial role in providing water for the state's residents and industries.

Ohio has several major reservoirs, including Buckeye Lake, Grand Lake St. Marys, and Caesar Creek Lake. These reservoirs are fed by various streams, rivers, and creeks, such as the Licking River, the St. Marys River, and Caesar Creek. Ohio does not have any significant snowpack or mountains that affect its reservoirs.

The hydrology of Ohio is primarily influenced by the state's geography, which is characterized by rolling hills and flat plains. Records show that Ohio has experienced major floods in the past, including the Great Dayton Flood of 1913, which resulted in significant damage and loss of life.

Drought conditions in Ohio have been relatively rare, but the state has experienced occasional droughts over the years. Seasonal trends show that spring and summer are typically the wettest seasons in Ohio, while fall and winter are drier. Overall, Ohio's reservoirs and dams play a crucial role in providing water for the state's residents and industries.