Lower Diehl Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lower Diehl Lake Dam, located in Mahoning, Ohio, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1930 with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Situated on the West Branch Meander Creek, this dam stands at a height of 26.6 feet and has a storage capacity of 55.9 acre-feet. With a surface area of 4.4 acres and a drainage area of 7.03 square miles, this dam plays a crucial role in water management and recreational activities in the area.

Managed by the Department of Natural Resources in Ohio, Lower Diehl Lake Dam has a low hazard potential and is rated in fair condition as of the last assessment in 2016. Despite its age, this dam continues to serve its purpose effectively, providing opportunities for boating, fishing, and wildlife observation in the surrounding area. With regular inspections and state regulation in place, the dam ensures the safety of nearby communities while preserving the natural beauty of the environment.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Lower Diehl Lake Dam represents a harmonious blend of human intervention and environmental conservation. By balancing the needs of recreation with responsible water management practices, this dam serves as a testament to the importance of sustainable infrastructure in maintaining the delicate balance of ecosystems. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the role of dams like Lower Diehl Lake Dam becomes even more crucial in adapting to and mitigating the effects of a changing climate.

Year Completed

1930

Dam Length

233

Dam Height

26.6

River Or Stream

WEST BRANCH MEANDER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4.4

Drainage Area

7.03

Nid Storage

55.9

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

27
       
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.