Knox Lake Dam
Knox Lake Dam is an earth dam located in Knox County, Ohio, built in 1954. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Knox Lake Dam
The primary purpose of Knox Lake Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Odnr, Division Of Wildlife (state). It impounds the East Branch Of North Branch Kokosing River near Fredericktown.
The dam stands 52 feet tall and stretches 465 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 440 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 18,980 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 31 square miles. Completed in 1954, 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 satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 11/05/2024.
At 52 feet, this dam is taller than 93% 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 | Knox |
| Nearest City | Fredericktown |
| River/Stream | East Branch Of North Branch Kokosing River |
| Coordinates | 40.49639, -82.52667 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 52 ft |
| Dam Height | 52 ft |
| Dam Length | 465 ft |
| Year Completed | 1954 (72 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 18,980 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 18,980 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 3,125 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 440 acres |
| Drainage Area | 31 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 29,831 cfs |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | ODNR, Division of Wildlife |
| Owner Type | State |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 11/05/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | OH00638 |
| Federal ID | OH00638 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |