Timken Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Timken Lake Dam, located in Louisville, Ohio, is a privately owned structure primarily used for recreation.
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Summary
Completed in 1962, this earth dam stands at a height of 17.4 feet and spans 680 feet in length, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 133 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment indicates poor maintenance, raising concerns about its long-term stability.
Managed by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Timken Lake Dam is subject to state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement to ensure public safety and environmental protection. Situated on a tributary to Mudbrook Creek, the dam serves as a vital water resource for the local community, offering recreational opportunities such as fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. However, with a drainage area of 3.7 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 995 cubic feet per second, the dam's structural integrity and maintenance are crucial for mitigating potential risks and ensuring continued safe operation.
In light of its poor condition assessment and inadequate maintenance, Timken Lake Dam poses a potential risk that necessitates immediate attention and remediation efforts. With a history of inspections every five years, stakeholders must prioritize the dam's rehabilitation to address safety concerns and prevent any potential failures that could impact both the surrounding ecosystem and recreational activities. As climate change continues to influence water resources and infrastructure resilience, proactive measures are essential to safeguarding Timken Lake Dam and ensuring its long-term sustainability for future generations.
Year Completed |
1962 |
Dam Length |
680 |
Dam Height |
17.4 |
River Or Stream |
TRIBUTARY TO MUDBROOK CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
16.2 |
Drainage Area |
3.7 |
Nid Storage |
133 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
17 |
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.
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