Paradise Lakes - North Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Paradise Lakes - North Lake Dam in Preble, Ohio, stands as a vital structure for recreation, completed in 1946 and offering a storage capacity of 93 acre-feet.


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Summary

With a primary purpose of recreation, the earth dam boasts a height of 32 feet and a length of 563 feet, serving as a picturesque backdrop to the surrounding area. The dam is located in Greenbush and is under the regulatory oversight of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, ensuring that it meets state inspection and enforcement standards.

Despite its historical significance and recreational value, Paradise Lakes - North Lake Dam faces challenges in terms of its condition assessment, marked as poor with a high hazard potential. The last inspection in 2016 revealed these concerns, prompting the need for regular monitoring and potential maintenance to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure. As a tributary to Elk Creek, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources and enhancing the natural landscape of the region, making it essential for water resource and climate enthusiasts to stay informed about its status and future developments.

As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure, Paradise Lakes - North Lake Dam serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of sustainable management and maintenance practices. With its significant storage capacity and potential risk factors, the dam represents a focal point for ongoing efforts to balance recreational enjoyment with safety and environmental conservation. As stakeholders and regulators work towards addressing the dam's condition assessment and risk management measures, the future of Paradise Lakes - North Lake Dam remains intertwined with the broader discourse on water resource resilience and climate adaptation in the region.

Year Completed

1946

Dam Length

563

Dam Height

32

River Or Stream

TRIBUTARY TO ELK CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7.5

Drainage Area

0.07

Nid Storage

93

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

32
       
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.