Laycock Farm Pond No. 1 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Laycock Farm Pond No.


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Summary

1 Dam, located in Adams, Ohio, is a private earth dam completed in 1945 primarily for recreational purposes. With a height of 41.4 feet and a storage capacity of 82 acre-feet, this dam serves as a popular spot for water enthusiasts in the area. However, despite its significance for recreation, the dam is currently rated as having poor structural condition, with a significant hazard potential.

Managed by the Department of Natural Resources in Ohio, the Laycock Farm Pond No. 1 Dam has a drainage area of 0.23 square miles and a surface area of 6.5 acres. The dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 65 cubic feet per second and a normal storage capacity of 72 acre-feet. While the dam has been inspected as recently as May 2018, with a required inspection frequency of 5 years, there are concerns over its overall condition and potential risk to the surrounding area in case of a breach.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Laycock Farm Pond No. 1 Dam presents an interesting case study in balancing the benefits of recreational water usage with the challenges of maintaining aging infrastructure. With its location near the Spoon River tributary, the dam plays a crucial role in water management in the region. The ongoing efforts to address its poor condition and significant hazard potential highlight the importance of sustainable dam maintenance practices to ensure the safety and longevity of water resources for future generations.

Year Completed

1945

Dam Length

280

Dam Height

41.4

River Or Stream

TRIBUTARY TO SPOON RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6.5

Drainage Area

0.23

Nid Storage

82

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

41
       
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.