North Broadway Low Head Dam

About North Broadway Low Head Dam

The primary purpose of North Broadway Low Head Dam is debris control. The dam is designed to catch sediment, rocks, and debris carried by flowing water — particularly important in areas prone to mudslides or heavy erosion. The dam is owned by City Of Columbus (local government). It impounds the Olentangy River near City Of Columbus.

The dam stands 6 feet tall and stretches 190 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 65 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 132 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 522 square miles. Completed in 1969, 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 12/21/2020.

Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.