Upper Shaker Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Upper Shaker Lake Dam, also known as Horseshoe Lake, stands as a testament to Cleveland Heights' commitment to water resource management and climate resilience.


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Summary

Built in 1852 by the North Union Shaker Colony, this earth dam on the Doan Brook serves primarily for recreation, offering a serene 11.4-acre lake for the community to enjoy. However, its historical significance is matched by its critical role in flood control, with a storage capacity of 155 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 341 cubic feet per second.

Despite its age, Upper Shaker Lake Dam remains a crucial piece of infrastructure in Cuyahoga County, Ohio. State-regulated and inspected by the Department of Natural Resources, the dam has a height of 30 feet and a length of 615 feet, ensuring the safety of surrounding areas from potential hazards. However, with a hazard potential rated as high and an unsatisfactory condition assessment in 2018, ongoing maintenance and risk management measures are essential to safeguard the dam's integrity and the community it serves. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Upper Shaker Lake Dam represents both a historical landmark and a vital component of modern infrastructure in Northeast Ohio.

Year Completed

1852

Dam Length

615

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

DOAN BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

11.4

Drainage Area

1.89

Nid Storage

155

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

30
       
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.