Cloverdale Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cloverdale Lake Dam in Painesville, Ohio, is a private recreation dam located on a tributary to Big Creek.


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Summary

Managed by the Department of Natural Resources, this earth dam stands at a height of 12.7 feet and stretches 640 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 238.8 acre-feet, the dam serves as a recreational spot for locals and visitors alike.

Despite its fair condition assessment in 2016, Cloverdale Lake Dam presents a significant hazard potential due to its age and design. However, with regular inspections every five years and state-regulated maintenance and enforcement, the dam continues to provide essential recreational opportunities while ensuring public safety. The dam's emergency action plan status and risk management measures remain unspecified, indicating room for improvement in emergency preparedness.

With its picturesque surroundings and vital role in water resource management, Cloverdale Lake Dam stands as a reminder of the delicate balance between recreation and environmental stewardship. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the importance of maintaining and monitoring dams like Cloverdale Lake Dam becomes increasingly crucial in safeguarding communities and ecosystems against potential hazards.

Dam Length

640

Dam Height

12.7

River Or Stream

TRIBUTARY TO BIG CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

35.1

Drainage Area

0.24

Nid Storage

238.8

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

13
       
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.