Newark Low Head Dam
Newark Low Head Dam is a concrete dam located in Licking County, Ohio, built in 1960. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Newark Low Head Dam
The primary purpose of Newark Low Head Dam 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 Newark (local government). It impounds the North Fork Licking River near Newark.
The dam stands 22 feet tall and stretches 175 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 12 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 1,662 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 240 square miles. Completed in 1960, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.
This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. Its condition is rated fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 12/09/2020.
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Location
| State | Ohio |
| County | Licking |
| Nearest City | Newark |
| River/Stream | North Fork Licking River |
| Coordinates | 40.08750, -82.41111 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| NID Height | 22 ft |
| Dam Height | 22 ft |
| Dam Length | 175 ft |
| Year Completed | 1960 (66 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 1,662 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 1,662 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 76 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 12 acres |
| Drainage Area | 240 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 21,000 cfs |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | City of Newark |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 12/09/2020 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | OH00808 |
| Federal ID | OH00808 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |