Flood Management

SMU is responsible for managing and operating the Mill Creek Barrier Dam and 14 floodgates and the City of Cincinnati’s 1.5 mile long floodwall during high Ohio River Conditions.

The Barrier Dam was constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1948 to prevent rising water from the Ohio River and tributary flow from the Mill Creek from causing local flooding in the Mill Creek Valley. When the Ohio River approaches flood stage (52 feet), floodgates are installed to prevent the Ohio River from backing up into the Mill Creek. Pumps are then activated to pump water from the Mill Creek, over the Barrier Dam, and into the Ohio River. Normal Ohio River pool elevation is 26 feet.

Cincinnati Flood History

Barrier Dam

Pumps Inside Barrier Dam

Flood Gate Installation

Flood Gate Installed