COLUMBUS, OH Months of monitoring and technical study at Salt Fork dam have given Ohio Department of Natural Resources engineers confidence to believe that the current seepage at the dam does not threaten the structure’s stability.
“Data collected since February, along with preliminary indications from our engineering consultant, gives us every reason to believe that the dam is structurally stable,” said Mark Ogden, dam safety engineer with the ODNR Division of Water. “Everything we’re seeing continues to remove uncertainty about what has been causing the seepage near the dam. We’ve observed no signs of weakness or instability in the dam itself.”
Daily monitoring of the dam, including visual inspections and instrument readings, continues, Ogden said.
Analysis indicates that the boils found in June do not threaten the dam. These boils located downstream in the dam’s outlet channel appear to be the result of naturally occurring ground water, consultants said. Boils found at the toe of the dam in early February appear to be the result of a malfunctioning toe drain. Construction of a weighted filter berm at the toe in February and March temporarily mitigated this situation.
Piezometers monitoring devices that measure pressure and water seepage that have been installed in the dam and its toe have helped to provide engineers with valuable information to use in evaluating seepage and the stability of the dam and its foundation.
“We are confident in saying that the dam does not face an imminent threat of failing,” Ogden said. “We will be working on developing a plan to repair the toe drain and make any other improvements needed to ensure the dam’s long term well-being.”
A final report by ODNR’s consulting engineers, including a suggested plan for future action, is anticipated in August.
Last month, after the additional boils were found in the dam’s downstream channel, consultants suggested the lake’s water level be dropped five feet to 795 feet above sea level. That level was reached in early July.
Consultants now advise that they would like the lake to naturally rise as they collect piezometer data to use in the repair design. During this investigation, visitors and residents may see varying amounts of water, or no water at all, being released into the dam’s outlet channel and should not be alarmed.
The 17,229-acre Salt Fork State Park records about 1.8 million visitors annually. Salt Fork Lake, with nearly 3,000 acres, is open to boats of unlimited horsepower and provides ample fishing opportunities for anglers pursuing largemouth bass, crappies, bluegill, walleye and muskie.
Both marinas at Salt Fork State Park are still open. All marina services are still available at the park. Sugar Tree Marina is offering all their usual services except for gas sales. Gas sales are available at the Salt Fork Marina. For more details, people may call the marina at 740-439-5833.
Overnight guests can enjoy a stay at the park’s resort lodge, 54 family cottages and 212-site campground. While the beaches remain accessible, campers also have the option to use the Salt Fork Resort pools for a small fee.
The park’s extensive system of hiking and bridle trails will remain open all summer, providing visitors with beautiful views of the park and lake. And, daily tours are offered throughout the summer at the historic Kennedy Stone House, a restored farmhouse dating back to the 1840s. For the golfer, the park’s 18-hole golf course offers a quiet day in the woods as well as a pro shop, snack bar, driving range and putting green.
For updates on Salt Fork Lake, visit ohiodnr.com or call Salt Fork State Park at 740-439-3521.