Berlin Dam

MAHONING RIVER· Mahoning, Ohio· Built 1943· Gravity·

High Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Other Recreation Water Supply Federal Government

Key Takeaway

Berlin Dam is classified as high hazard in Ohio. It was completed in 1943 and is 83 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Length	5,750 ft
Dam Type	Gravity
Max Storage	140.0K acre-ft
Normal Storage	58.4K acre-ft

Surface Area	3,590 acres
Drainage Area	249 sq mi
Max Discharge	73,400 cfs
Year Completed	1943 (83 years old)
NID ID	OH00032

Safety Information

High Hazard

Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes

Last Inspection: May 6, 2022

State Regulated: No

Ownership

USACE - Pittsburgh District

Federal Government

Nearby Dams

Mayfield Lake Dam

Mahoning, OH

Low Hazard 9 ft

Lake Milton Dam

Mahoning, OH

High Hazard 53 ft

Michael J. Kirwan Dam

Portage, OH

High Hazard

Deer Creek Reservoir Dam

Stark, OH

Significant Hazard 34 ft

West Branch Channel Dam

Trumbull, OH

Low Hazard 16 ft

Lake Park Dam

Mahoning, OH

Low Hazard 12 ft

Lower Diehl Lake Dam

Mahoning, OH

Low Hazard 27 ft

Alliance Sludge Lagoons

Stark, OH

Significant Hazard 12 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Berlin Dam?

Berlin Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Berlin Dam?

Berlin Dam is owned by USACE - Pittsburgh District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Berlin Dam built?

Berlin Dam was completed in 1943, making it 83 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Berlin Dam?

Berlin Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Other, Recreation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

When was Berlin Dam last inspected?

Berlin Dam was last inspected on May 6, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.