From the Miami Conservancy District: Locals Respond to Rising Floodwaters
WHAT: The Miami Conservancy District is actively managing a high-water event across the Great Miami River Watershed. Due to saturated ground conditions and additional rainfall expected through the weekend, river levels may peak on Saturday, potentially ranking among the top 10 events recorded since the flood protection system’s construction in 1922.
WHEN: The high-water event began on April 3, triggered by significant rainfall across the Great Miami River Watershed. Over the last 24 hours, the watershed received 0.25 to 1.50 inches of rain. Precipitation over the previous 48 hours totals 1.50 to 2.50 inches. Further precipitation is forecasted for the weekend, extending the event’s duration.
WHERE: The following Miami Conservancy District dams have been storing water:
Germantown Dam
Englewood Dam
Lockington Dam
Taylorsville Dam
Huffman Dam
MCD staff have closed a floodgate in Hamilton, Middletown, and two in West Carrollton to mitigate potential flooding.
DETAILS:
The flood protection system is designed to handle flows of this magnitude and beyond.
Staff are continuously monitoring conditions at the dams and levees, reading groundwater levels in relief wells, and implementing high-water protocols.
Given the system’s age and the forecasted water levels, staff will work around the clock to ensure continued operation and risk reduction.
Flows across the watershed are currently much above normal range (> 90th percentile) for this date in the year.
Storage levels at each dam will be assessed and reported as conditions evolve.
“Our flood protection system has reliably safeguarded communities for over a century,” said MaryLynn Lodor, General Manager at Miami Conservancy District. “We are closely monitoring the situation and taking every necessary action to protect residents and infrastructure. If you see something concerning, please report it to us. https://www.mcdwater.org/forms/contact For emergencies, call 911.”
The Miami Conservancy District’s flood protection system includes five dry dams, levees, and storage basins designed to reduce flood risks for communities along the Great Miami River. The system operates without moving parts, relying on carefully engineered conduits to manage river flow. Since its completion in 1922, Miami Conservancy District has successfully prevented catastrophic flooding in Southwest Ohio.