Hess Wetlands Dam

TRIBUTARY TO CUYAHOGA RIVER· Geauga, Ohio· Built 2005· Earth· 10 ft tall
Low Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Hess Wetlands Dam is classified as low hazard in Ohio. It was completed in 2005 and is 21 years old. Its primary use is recreation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 10 ft (taller than 2.3% in OH)
Dam Length300 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage332 acre-ft
Normal Storage30 acre-ft
Surface Area23 acres
Drainage Area7 sq mi
Max Discharge3,311 cfs
Year Completed2005 (21 years old)
NID IDOH03171

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: September 16, 2014
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Department of Natural Resources

Ownership

George Hess, II

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Hess Wetlands Dam?

Hess Wetlands 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 Hess Wetlands Dam?

Hess Wetlands Dam is owned by George Hess, II (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Hess Wetlands Dam built?

Hess Wetlands Dam was completed in 2005, making it 21 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 Hess Wetlands Dam?

Hess Wetlands 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 Hess Wetlands Dam?

Hess Wetlands Dam has a dam height of 10 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 Hess Wetlands Dam last inspected?

Hess Wetlands Dam was last inspected on September 16, 2014. 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.