Slates Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Columbiana, Ohio, Slates Lake Dam is a private structure designed by Thomas B.


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Summary

Jones, SCS Area Engineer, in 1967 for recreational purposes along Sandy Creek. Standing at a height of 27.8 feet and with a length of 520 feet, the dam provides a storage capacity of 70 acre-feet and a surface area of 7.1 acres. Despite its significant hazard potential, the dam is currently assessed as being in poor condition, with the last inspection conducted in July 2020.

Managed by the Department of Natural Resources in Ohio, Slates Lake Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state government, ensuring compliance with safety standards. While the dam has not undergone major modifications in recent years, its emergency action plan status and risk assessment measures are currently not specified. With a drainage area of 0.17 square miles and a maximum discharge of 8 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Slates Lake Dam fascinating due to its unique design, purpose, and location. As a recreational structure on Sandy Creek, the dam serves as a vital component of the local ecosystem while posing a significant hazard potential that requires ongoing monitoring and maintenance. With its history dating back to the 1960s and a storage capacity of 70 acre-feet, Slates Lake Dam represents an important feature in the water infrastructure of Columbiana, Ohio.

Year Completed

1967

Dam Length

520

Dam Height

27.8

River Or Stream

SANDY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7.1

Drainage Area

0.17

Nid Storage

70

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

28
       
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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.