Pleasant Hill Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Pleasant Hill Dam, also known as Pleasant Hill Lake, is a Federal-owned structure located in Ashland, Ohio, along the Clear Fork of the Mohican River.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Completed in 1937, the dam serves primarily for flood risk reduction, but also supports fish and wildlife pond and recreational purposes. With a hydraulic height of 97 feet and a structural height of 113 feet, the dam holds a normal storage capacity of 13,500 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 2,600 acres.

The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) oversees the operation, maintenance, and risk management of Pleasant Hill Dam. The dam has been identified with a moderate to high risk of failure, particularly in areas prone to erosion and seepage. To mitigate these risks, the USACE has implemented various risk management measures, including ongoing maintenance programs, regular inspections, and the development of an Interim Risk Reduction Measure plan. These efforts aim to reduce the consequences of a potential failure or overtopping event, ensuring the safety of nearby communities such as Perrysville, Greer, Brinkhaven, Walhonding, and Loudonville.

Despite the high hazard potential associated with Pleasant Hill Dam, proactive risk management strategies are in place to address potential issues and enhance emergency preparedness. With a focus on continuous monitoring, maintenance, and improvement of emergency action plans, the USACE is dedicated to safeguarding the surrounding areas from the impacts of dam failure and ensuring the dam's resilience in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1937

Dam Length

775

River Or Stream

CLEAR FORK OF MOHICAN RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2600

Hydraulic Height

97

Drainage Area

197

Nid Storage

87700

Structural Height

113

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 2

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

113
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.