Bethany Lake Dam

TRIBUTARY TO BLACK CREEK· Holmes, Ohio· Built 1962· Earth· 29 ft tall

High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Bethany Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Ohio. It was completed in 1962 and is 64 years old. Its primary use is recreation. 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 Height	29 ft (taller than 58% in OH)
Dam Length	453 ft
Dam Type	Earth
Max Storage	213 acre-ft
Normal Storage	91 acre-ft

Surface Area	13 acres
Drainage Area	1 sq mi
Max Discharge	7,900 cfs
Year Completed	1962 (64 years old)
NID ID	OH00065

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: October 17, 2019

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: Department of Natural Resources

Ownership

Myra Sarafin

Private

Nearby Dams

Workman Lake Dam

Knox, OH

Significant Hazard 30 ft

Whispering Hills Recreation Lake Dam

Holmes, OH

Significant Hazard 23 ft

Thompson Lake Dam

Ashland, OH

Significant Hazard 16 ft

Neutralized Water Impoundment 3

Knox, OH

Significant Hazard 20 ft

Neutralized Water Impoundment 2

Knox, OH

Significant Hazard 22 ft

Millwood Plant Dam

Knox, OH

Significant Hazard 14 ft

Sellers Lake Dam

Ashland, OH

Low Hazard 35 ft

Pleasant Hill Dam

Ashland, OH

High Hazard

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Bethany Lake Dam?

Bethany Lake 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 Bethany Lake Dam?

Bethany Lake Dam is owned by Myra Sarafin (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Bethany Lake Dam built?

Bethany Lake Dam was completed in 1962, making it 64 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 Bethany Lake Dam?

Bethany Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Bethany Lake Dam?

Bethany Lake Dam has a dam height of 29 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Bethany Lake Dam last inspected?

Bethany Lake Dam was last inspected on October 17, 2019. 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.