Thoreau Pond Dam
Thoreau Pond Dam is an earth dam located in Franklin County, Ohio, built in 1964. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Thoreau Pond Dam
The primary purpose of Thoreau Pond Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Columbus & Franklin Co Metro Park Dist (local government). It impounds the Tributary To Big Walnut Creek near Gould Park.
The dam stands 25 feet tall and stretches 685 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 9 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 165 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 1964, 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 11/18/2020.
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 | Franklin |
| Nearest City | Gould Park |
| River/Stream | Tributary To Big Walnut Creek |
| Coordinates | 40.07528, -82.87028 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 25 ft |
| Dam Height | 25 ft |
| Dam Length | 685 ft |
| Year Completed | 1964 (62 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 165 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 165 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 57 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 9 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 4,380 cfs |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | Columbus & Franklin Co Metro Park Dist |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 11/18/2020 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | OH00736 |
| Federal ID | OH00736 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |