Salem Reservoir (south Embankment)
Salem Reservoir (south Embankment) is an earth dam located in Columbiana County, Ohio, built in 1952. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a poor condition assessment.
About Salem Reservoir (south Embankment)
The primary purpose of Salem Reservoir (south Embankment) is water supply. The dam stores water for municipal, industrial, or agricultural use, helping ensure a reliable supply for the surrounding area. The dam is owned by City Of Salem (local government). It impounds the Tributary To Middle Fork Little Beaver Creek near West Point.
The dam stands 48 feet tall and stretches 2,825 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 110 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 2,182 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 1952, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.
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. Its condition is rated poor, meaning the dam has recognized safety deficiencies that require remediation to address risks. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 06/18/2024.
At 48 feet, this dam is taller than 92% of dams nationwide.
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 | Columbiana |
| Nearest City | West Point |
| River/Stream | Tributary To Middle Fork Little Beaver Creek |
| Coordinates | 40.80833, -80.83611 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 48 ft |
| Dam Height | 48 ft |
| Dam Length | 2,825 ft |
| Year Completed | 1952 (74 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 2,182 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 2,182 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1,594 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 110 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | City of Salem |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Poor |
| Last Inspection | 06/18/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | OH00321 |
| Federal ID | OH00321 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |