Delaware Dam - Waldo Levee
Delaware Dam - Waldo Levee is an earth dam located in Marion County, Ohio, built in 1948. It carries a High hazard potential classification.
About Delaware Dam - Waldo Levee
The primary purpose of Delaware Dam - Waldo Levee is flood risk reduction. The dam is designed to control downstream flooding by temporarily storing excess water during storms and releasing it at a controlled rate. The dam is owned by Usace - Huntington District (federal). It impounds the Olentangy River near Waldo.
The dam stands 30 feet tall and stretches 6,500 feet across. Completed in 1948, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 04/16/2021.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Ohio dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Ohio |
| County | Marion |
| Nearest City | Waldo |
| River/Stream | Olentangy River |
| Coordinates | 40.46171, -83.07738 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 30 ft |
| Dam Height | 30 ft |
| Dam Length | 6,500 ft |
| Year Completed | 1948 (78 years old) |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Flood Risk Reduction |
| Owner | USACE - Huntington District |
| Owner Type | Federal |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Not Available |
| Last Inspection | 04/16/2021 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | OH00015 |
| Federal ID | OH00015S001 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |