Buckeye Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Buckeye Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Ohio. It was completed in 1832 and is 194 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 | 15 ft (taller than 12.4% in OH) |
| Dam Length | 21,700 ft |
| Dam Type | Other |
| Max Storage | 20.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 14.0K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 2,800 acres |
| Drainage Area | 42 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 20,700 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1832 (194 years old) |
| NID ID | OH00474 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
ODNR, Division of Parks & Watercraft
State Government
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Significant Hazard 24 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Buckeye Lake Dam?
Buckeye 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 Buckeye Lake Dam?
Buckeye Lake Dam is owned by ODNR, Division of Parks & Watercraft (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Buckeye Lake Dam built?
Buckeye Lake Dam was completed in 1832, making it 194 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 Buckeye Lake Dam?
Buckeye 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 Buckeye Lake Dam?
Buckeye Lake Dam has a dam height of 15 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 Buckeye Lake Dam last inspected?
Buckeye Lake Dam was last inspected on March 29, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.