Wabash Structure No. 1 Dam

Wabash Structure No. 1 Dam is an earth dam located in Darke County, Ohio, built in 1964. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.

About Wabash Structure No. 1 Dam

The primary purpose of Wabash Structure No. 1 Dam 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 Wabash River Conservancy District (local government). It impounds the Wabash River near Fort Recovery.

The dam stands 37 feet tall and stretches 728 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 57 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 3,183 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 13 square miles. Completed in 1964, 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 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 11/07/2024.

At 37 feet, this dam is taller than 84% of dams nationwide.

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Significant HazardSatisfactory ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StateOhio
CountyDarke
Nearest CityFort Recovery
River/StreamWabash River
Coordinates40.31583, -84.63472

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeEarth
NID Height37 ft
Dam Height37 ft
Dam Length728 ft
Year Completed1964 (62 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage3,183 acre-ft
Max Storage3,183 acre-ft
Normal Storage186 acre-ft
Surface Area57 acres
Drainage Area13 sq mi
Max Discharge12,723 cfs

Ownership & Safety

PurposeFlood Risk Reduction
OwnerWabash River Conservancy District
Owner TypeLocal Government
Hazard ClassificationSignificant
Condition AssessmentSatisfactory
Last Inspection11/07/2024
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDOH00709
Federal IDOH00709
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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