Lake Hope Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 27, 2025
Lake Hope Dam, located in Vinton, Ohio, stands as a significant earth dam completed in 1939 for recreational purposes along the Sandy Run river.
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Summary
With a height of 33.8 feet and a length spanning 750 feet, the dam boasts a normal storage capacity of 1040 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 2461 acre-feet. Despite being classified as having a "fair" condition assessment, the dam is considered to have a "significant" hazard potential, prompting regular inspections every 5 years to ensure its structural integrity.
Owned and regulated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Lake Hope Dam offers a vital source of recreation for locals and visitors, with a surface area of 130 acres and a drainage area of 9.9 square miles. The dam's location in the picturesque town of Hope, Ohio, provides a tranquil escape for water resource and climate enthusiasts, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, and hiking in the surrounding wooded areas. Although no spillway type is specified, the dam's maximum discharge capacity stands at 21,747 cubic feet per second, further highlighting its importance in managing water resources in the region.
Despite its age, Lake Hope Dam continues to play a crucial role in water resource management in Ohio, serving as a key recreational hub while also posing a significant hazard potential. With ongoing inspections and maintenance efforts, the dam remains a focal point for environmental enthusiasts and climate advocates seeking to understand the complex interplay between human-made structures and natural water systems in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1939 |
Dam Length |
750 |
Dam Height |
33.8 |
River Or Stream |
SANDY RUN |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
130 |
Drainage Area |
9.9 |
Nid Storage |
2461 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
34 |
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.
Lake Hope Dam