Clark Lake Dam

SINKING CREEK· Clark, Ohio· Built 1957· Earth· 23 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation State Government

Key Takeaway

Clark Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Ohio. It was completed in 1957 and is 69 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 23 ft (taller than 37% in OH)
Dam Length1,425 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage2.1K acre-ft
Normal Storage453 acre-ft
Surface Area97 acres
Drainage Area7 sq mi
Max Discharge34,570 cfs
Year Completed1957 (69 years old)
NID IDOH00444

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 29, 2019
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Department of Natural Resources

Ownership

ODNR, Division of Wildlife

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Clark Lake Dam?

Clark 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 Clark Lake Dam?

Clark Lake Dam is owned by ODNR, Division of Wildlife (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Clark Lake Dam built?

Clark Lake Dam was completed in 1957, making it 69 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 Clark Lake Dam?

Clark 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 Clark Lake Dam?

Clark Lake Dam has a dam height of 23 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 Clark Lake Dam last inspected?

Clark Lake Dam was last inspected on October 29, 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.