Hickory Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 25, 2025
Hickory Lake Dam, located in Holmes County, Ohio, was completed in 1967 for the primary purpose of recreation.
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Summary
The dam stands at a height of 39.2 feet and has a storage capacity of 150.1 acre-feet. Situated along a tributary to Doughty Creek, the dam is owned privately and regulated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place.
The dam has a low hazard potential and is currently assessed to be in fair condition as of the last inspection in October 2019. With a drainage area of 0.42 square miles and a maximum discharge of 802 cubic feet per second, Hickory Lake Dam provides both recreational opportunities and important water resource management functions. Despite its modest size, the dam plays a crucial role in the local water ecosystem and the surrounding community.
Designed by Donald R. Elewski and Slabe & Mackay of Cleveland, Ohio, Hickory Lake Dam serves as a significant element in the Buffalo District's infrastructure. As a key feature in the region's water management system, the dam exemplifies the importance of sustainable and effective dam operations for both recreational and environmental purposes.
Year Completed |
1967 |
Dam Length |
458 |
Dam Height |
39.2 |
River Or Stream |
TRIBUTARY TO DOUGHTY CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
9 |
Drainage Area |
0.42 |
Nid Storage |
150.1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
39 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Hickory Lake Dam