O'Brien Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
O'Brien Lake Dam, located in Ashtabula, Ohio, was completed in 1968 with a primary purpose of recreation.
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Summary
This private-owned earth dam stands at 23.6 feet high and stretches 525 feet in length, creating a surface area of 20.4 acres and a maximum storage capacity of 168 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2016 noted a poor rating, prompting a need for maintenance and inspection.
The dam is regulated by the Department of Natural Resources in Ohio, ensuring compliance with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement protocols. Situated along a tributary to Three Brothers Creek, the dam serves as a recreational hub for the Turkeyfoot Corner community. While the risk assessment and emergency action plan status remain unclear, the dam's historical significance and environmental impact on the surrounding area make it a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts seeking to understand its role in the local ecosystem.
With its designer George A. Skidmore, O'Brien Lake Dam presents a blend of engineering ingenuity and natural beauty. As water resource and climate enthusiasts explore the dam's structure and impact on the landscape, questions about its maintenance, risk management measures, and long-term sustainability come to the forefront. With its potential for recreational activities and its importance in regulating water flow in the region, O'Brien Lake Dam stands as a testament to the intersection of human intervention and ecological balance.
Year Completed |
1968 |
Dam Length |
525 |
Dam Height |
23.6 |
River Or Stream |
TRIBUTARY TO THREE BROTHERS CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
20.4 |
Drainage Area |
2.5 |
Nid Storage |
168 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
24 |
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.
O'Brien Lake Dam