Dow Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Dow Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Ohio. It was completed in 1959 and is 67 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 | 66 ft (taller than 96.9% in OH) |
| Dam Length | 775 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 7.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 2.1K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 161 acres |
| Drainage Area | 7 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 1,517 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1959 (67 years old) |
| NID ID | OH00086 |
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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High Hazard 32 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Dow Lake Dam?
Dow 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 Dow Lake Dam?
Dow 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 Dow Lake Dam built?
Dow Lake Dam was completed in 1959, making it 67 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 Dow Lake Dam?
Dow 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 Dow Lake Dam?
Dow Lake Dam has a dam height of 66 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 Dow Lake Dam last inspected?
Dow Lake Dam was last inspected on June 16, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.