Paradise Lakes - South Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Paradise Lakes - South Lake Dam, located in Ohio, is a privately owned structure with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Built in 1946, this earth dam stands at a height of 40 feet and spans 600 feet in length. It has a storage capacity of 86.6 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 71.9 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 6.4 acres and serving a drainage area of 0.11 square miles.

Despite its recreational appeal, Paradise Lakes - South Lake Dam poses a high hazard potential with a poor condition assessment as of the last inspection in 2016. The dam is regulated by the Department of Natural Resources in Ohio, ensuring state oversight for permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The dam's proximity to Elk Creek and its tributaries underscores the importance of maintaining its structural integrity to mitigate flood risks and protect the surrounding environment.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Paradise Lakes - South Lake Dam offers a case study in the intersection of recreation and dam safety. With a significant storage capacity and a history dating back to the mid-20th century, this dam serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges and responsibilities associated with managing water resources in a changing climate. Ongoing monitoring and potential rehabilitation efforts will be crucial to ensure the continued safety and functionality of this essential infrastructure.

Year Completed

1946

Dam Length

600

Dam Height

40

River Or Stream

TRIBUTARY TO ELK CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6.4

Drainage Area

0.11

Nid Storage

86.6

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

40
       
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.