Private Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Private Lake Dam, located in Ashtabula, Ohio, is a privately owned earth dam primarily used for recreation purposes.


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Summary

Built in 1964 by the USDA Soil Conservation Service, this dam stands at a height of 18.5 feet and has a length of 750 feet, creating a reservoir with a normal storage capacity of 37.6 acre-feet. The dam, managed by the Department of Natural Resources, is regulated and inspected by the state of Ohio to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.

Despite its low hazard potential, Private Lake Dam received a poor condition assessment during its last inspection in May 2016. The dam's emergency action plan and risk management measures are currently not up to date, posing a potential risk to the surrounding area in case of a failure. With a drainage area of 0.37 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 230.5 cubic feet per second, it is crucial for the dam owners to prioritize maintenance and repairs to improve its overall condition and safety.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Private Lake Dam serves as a reminder of the importance of proper dam management and maintenance to ensure public safety and environmental protection. As a recreational structure in a tributary to Mill Creek, this dam plays a vital role in water storage and flood control in the region. Going forward, increased attention to the dam's condition, emergency preparedness, and risk assessment will be essential to mitigate any potential hazards and ensure the long-term sustainability of this important water resource infrastructure.

Year Completed

1964

Dam Length

750

Dam Height

18.5

River Or Stream

TRIBUTARY TO MILL CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8.1

Drainage Area

0.37

Nid Storage

79.9

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

19
       
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.
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