Lake Cardinal Dam

PLUM CREEK· Ashtabula, Ohio· Built 1927· Earth· 31 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Lake Cardinal Dam is classified as significant hazard in Ohio. It was completed in 1927 and is 99 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 31 ft (taller than 64.6% in OH)
Dam Length300 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage2.5K acre-ft
Normal Storage370 acre-ft
Surface Area56 acres
Drainage Area8 sq mi
Max Discharge8,284 cfs
Year Completed1927 (99 years old)
NID IDOH00395

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

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

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: October 26, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Department of Natural Resources

Ownership

Lake Cardinal Estates, Inc.

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lake Cardinal Dam?

Lake Cardinal Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Lake Cardinal Dam?

Lake Cardinal Dam is owned by Lake Cardinal Estates, Inc. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Lake Cardinal Dam built?

Lake Cardinal Dam was completed in 1927, making it 99 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 Lake Cardinal Dam?

Lake Cardinal 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 Lake Cardinal Dam?

Lake Cardinal Dam has a dam height of 31 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 Lake Cardinal Dam last inspected?

Lake Cardinal Dam was last inspected on October 26, 2021. 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.