Lake Shawnee Dam
Key Takeaway
Lake Shawnee Dam is classified as high hazard in Ohio. It was completed in 1963 and is 63 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 | 45 ft (taller than 88% in OH) |
| Dam Length | 850 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 4.1K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.4K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 145 acres |
| Drainage Area | 11 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 23,024 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1963 (63 years old) |
| NID ID | OH00206 |
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
Shawnee Hills Property Owners Assn.
Private
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Shawnee Dam?
Lake Shawnee 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 Lake Shawnee Dam?
Lake Shawnee Dam is owned by Shawnee Hills Property Owners Assn. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Shawnee Dam built?
Lake Shawnee Dam was completed in 1963, making it 63 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 Shawnee Dam?
Lake Shawnee 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 Shawnee Dam?
Lake Shawnee Dam has a dam height of 45 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 Shawnee Dam last inspected?
Lake Shawnee Dam was last inspected on March 26, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.