O'Brien Lake Dam

TRIBUTARY TO THREE BROTHERS CREEK· Ashtabula, Ohio· Built 1968· Earth· 24 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

O'Brien Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in Ohio. It was completed in 1968 and is 58 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 24 ft (taller than 39.8% in OH)
Dam Length525 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage168 acre-ft
Normal Storage104 acre-ft
Surface Area20 acres
Drainage Area2 sq mi
Max Discharge190 cfs
Year Completed1968 (58 years old)
NID IDOH00398

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: No
Last Inspection: October 26, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Department of Natural Resources

Ownership

Patrick & Sandra O'Brien

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of O'Brien Lake Dam?

O'Brien Lake 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 O'Brien Lake Dam?

O'Brien Lake Dam is owned by Patrick & Sandra O'Brien (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was O'Brien Lake Dam built?

O'Brien Lake Dam was completed in 1968, making it 58 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 O'Brien Lake Dam?

O'Brien 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 O'Brien Lake Dam?

O'Brien Lake Dam has a dam height of 24 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 O'Brien Lake Dam last inspected?

O'Brien Lake 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.