Hickory Hills Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Hickory Hills Lake Dam, also known as Mountain Lake, is a privately owned earth dam located in Barrets Mill, Ohio.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Built in 1971 by the Marion S. Penick Co. of Alpha, Ohio, this dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, providing a surface area of 59 acres for enjoyment. With a height of 43.6 feet and a length of 240 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 1317 acre-feet and a drainage area of 4.44 square miles.

Managed by the Department of Natural Resources in Ohio, the dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state agency. Despite its significant hazard potential, the dam is currently in satisfactory condition as of the last assessment in May 2018. The dam's emergency action plan status, risk assessment, and risk management measures are not specified in the available data, indicating potential areas for improvement in safety preparedness.

Situated along Heads Branch, Hickory Hills Lake Dam is a key feature in the local landscape, offering recreational opportunities while also serving as a critical water resource infrastructure. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the complexities and responsibilities associated with managing dams like Hickory Hills Lake Dam is essential for ensuring the safety and sustainability of such structures in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1971

Dam Length

240

Dam Height

43.6

River Or Stream

HEADS BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

59

Drainage Area

4.44

Nid Storage

1317

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

44
       
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.