Guilford Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Guilford Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Ohio. It was completed in 1933 and is 93 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 | 35 ft (taller than 73.7% in OH) |
| Dam Length | 3,200 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 5.7K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.9K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 330 acres |
| Drainage Area | 11 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 14,547 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1933 (93 years old) |
| NID ID | OH00636 |
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
Salem Reservoir (South Embankment)
Columbiana, OH
High Hazard 48 ftSpring Valley Park Lake Dam
Columbiana, OH
High Hazard 29 ftSlates Lake Dam
Columbiana, OH
Significant Hazard 28 ftHammond Lake Ii Dam
Columbiana, OH
Low Hazard 17 ftSalem Regional Campus Lake Dam
Columbiana, OH
Significant Hazard 26 ftCsonka Brothers Pond Dam
Columbiana, OH
Significant Hazard 24 ftManfull Lake Dam
Columbiana, OH
Significant Hazard 18 ftSunshine Lakes Dam
Columbiana, OH
Significant Hazard 38 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Guilford Lake Dam?
Guilford 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 Guilford Lake Dam?
Guilford 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 Guilford Lake Dam built?
Guilford Lake Dam was completed in 1933, making it 93 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 Guilford Lake Dam?
Guilford 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 Guilford Lake Dam?
Guilford Lake Dam has a dam height of 35 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 Guilford Lake Dam last inspected?
Guilford Lake Dam was last inspected on June 27, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.