Cowan Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Cowan Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Ohio. It was completed in 1947 and is 79 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 | 63 ft (taller than 96.4% in OH) |
| Dam Length | 860 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 25.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 10.3K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 670 acres |
| Drainage Area | 47 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 35,900 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1947 (79 years old) |
| NID ID | OH00500 |
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
Nearby Dams
Clarksville Upground Reservoir
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Significant Hazard 18 ftEllis Lake Dam
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Low Hazard 31 ftRoberts Lake Dam
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Significant Hazard 19 ftBaptist Foundation Lake Dam
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Significant Hazard 36 ftClinton County Wwt Lagoon
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Significant Hazard 10 ftHouston Upground Reservoir
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Significant Hazard 13 ftBlanchester Res No. 6 Dam
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High Hazard 24 ftWilmington Upground Reservoir No. 1
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High Hazard 19 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Cowan Lake Dam?
Cowan 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 Cowan Lake Dam?
Cowan 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 Cowan Lake Dam built?
Cowan Lake Dam was completed in 1947, making it 79 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 Cowan Lake Dam?
Cowan 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 Cowan Lake Dam?
Cowan Lake Dam has a dam height of 63 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 Cowan Lake Dam last inspected?
Cowan Lake Dam was last inspected on April 4, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.