Elk Lake Dam

TRIBUTARY TO HALLS CREEK· Warren, Ohio· Built 1964· Earth· 20 ft tall
Low Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Elk Lake Dam is classified as low hazard in Ohio. It was completed in 1964 and is 62 years old. Its primary use is recreation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 20 ft (taller than 27.7% in OH)
Dam Length1,950 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage79 acre-ft
Normal Storage56 acre-ft
Surface Area10 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge960 cfs
Year Completed1964 (62 years old)
NID IDOH00544

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: April 4, 2019
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Department of Natural Resources

Ownership

Dayton Metro YMCA (Camp Kern)

Private

Nearby Dams

Lilley Lake Dam

Warren, OH

High Hazard 43 ft

Anderson Lakes Farm Dam No. 1

Warren, OH

Significant Hazard 19 ft

Werrmann Lake Dam

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Low Hazard 26 ft

Burnap Lake Dam

Warren, OH

Significant Hazard 38 ft

Classicway Farm Lake Dam

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Low Hazard 18 ft

Fenwick Home Company Lake Dam

Warren, OH

Significant Hazard 21 ft

Goodrich Lake Dam

Warren, OH

Significant Hazard 22 ft

Votel Lake Dam

Warren, OH

Significant Hazard 39 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Elk Lake Dam?

Elk Lake Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Elk Lake Dam?

Elk Lake Dam is owned by Dayton Metro YMCA (Camp Kern) (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Elk Lake Dam built?

Elk Lake Dam was completed in 1964, making it 62 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 Elk Lake Dam?

Elk 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 Elk Lake Dam?

Elk Lake Dam has a dam height of 20 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 Elk Lake Dam last inspected?

Elk Lake Dam was last inspected on April 4, 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.