Willard Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Willard Lake Dam, located in Huron County, Ohio, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1955 primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

The dam has a height of 22 feet and a length of 460 feet, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 133 acre-feet. With a normal storage capacity of 56 acre-feet and a surface area of 12.58 acres, the dam serves as a popular spot for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and wildlife observation.

Managed by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Willard Lake Dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the state to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The dam has a low hazard potential and is currently assessed to be in fair condition based on a 2016 inspection. While the dam poses minimal risk, emergency action plans are in place and updated periodically to meet safety guidelines and ensure proper response in case of emergencies.

Situated along a tributary to the West Branch Huron River, Willard Lake Dam is a vital part of the local ecosystem and provides opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy nature and water-based activities. Climate and water resource enthusiasts can appreciate the careful management and maintenance of this dam to balance recreational uses with safety and environmental considerations in the region.

Year Completed

1955

Dam Length

460

Dam Height

22

River Or Stream

TRIBUTARY TO WEST BRANCH HURON RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

12.58

Drainage Area

0.8

Nid Storage

133

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

22
       
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.