Steeplechase Lake Dam

TRIBUTARY TO CUYAHOGA RIVER· Summit, Ohio· Built 1989· Earth· 21 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Steeplechase Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Ohio. It was completed in 1989 and is 37 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 21 ft (taller than 31.1% in OH)
Dam Length510 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage36 acre-ft
Normal Storage10 acre-ft
Surface Area2 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge2,390 cfs
Year Completed1989 (37 years old)
NID IDOH02472

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: October 6, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Department of Natural Resources

Ownership

Steeplechase Lake Association

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Steeplechase Lake Dam?

Steeplechase 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 Steeplechase Lake Dam?

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

When was Steeplechase Lake Dam built?

Steeplechase Lake Dam was completed in 1989, making it 37 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 Steeplechase Lake Dam?

Steeplechase 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 Steeplechase Lake Dam?

Steeplechase Lake Dam has a dam height of 21 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 Steeplechase Lake Dam last inspected?

Steeplechase Lake Dam was last inspected on October 6, 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.