Lake Otto Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Otto Dam, located in Licking, Ohio, was completed in 1959 and is owned privately.


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Summary

The dam, designed by LUBERG CONSTRUCTION CO., serves primarily for recreational purposes and spans 440 feet in length with a height of 24.9 feet. It holds a storage capacity of 63 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 7.6 acres, drawing water from the Painter Run river or stream.

Despite its recreational benefits, Lake Otto Dam poses a significant hazard potential with a poor condition assessment. It is regulated by the Department of Natural Resources in Ohio, with regular inspections conducted to ensure its safety. The dam's last inspection in December 2020 revealed its poor condition, prompting concerns about potential risks and the need for maintenance or upgrades to mitigate any potential threats.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Lake Otto Dam presents an interesting case study in dam management and safety. Its location in Rocky Fork, Ohio, within the Huntington District, highlights the importance of monitoring and maintaining infrastructure to prevent disasters and ensure the protection of surrounding communities. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the management of dams like Lake Otto Dam becomes crucial in ensuring both safety and sustainability for future generations.

Year Completed

1959

Dam Length

440

Dam Height

24.9

River Or Stream

PAINTER RUN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7.6

Drainage Area

0.27

Nid Storage

63

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

25
       
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.