Bowers Lake Estate Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bowers Lake Estate Dam, located in Broadacre, Ohio, is a private earth dam constructed in 1960 primarily for recreation purposes.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The dam stands at a height of 15 feet with a length of 300 feet, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 54 acre-feet. The dam is situated on Clay Lick Creek in Jefferson County, Ohio, within the Pittsburgh District.

Despite its recreational use, the dam has been classified as having a significant hazard potential and a poor condition assessment as of the last inspection in June 2019. The dam is regulated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place. With a drainage area of 2.29 square miles and a surface area of 7.1 acres, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Bowers Lake Estate Dam serves as a focal point for understanding the intersection of human infrastructure and natural water systems. With its historical significance and current regulatory challenges, the dam presents an opportunity to explore the complexities of managing water resources for both recreational and environmental purposes. As efforts continue to assess and address the dam's condition and potential risks, its role in the local ecosystem and broader watershed management strategies remains a topic of interest and importance.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

15

River Or Stream

CLAY LICK CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7.1

Drainage Area

2.29

Nid Storage

54

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

15
       
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.