Dawes Arboretum Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Heath, Ohio, Dawes Arboretum Lake Dam, also known as Dawes Arboretum Pond, is a privately-owned structure with a primary purpose of irrigation.


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Summary

Built in 1954 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at 22 feet tall and spans a length of 920 feet, with a storage capacity of 72 acre-feet. The dam is situated on a tributary to Dutch Fork and is regulated by the Department of Natural Resources in Ohio.

Despite its age, Dawes Arboretum Lake Dam is in poor condition with a high hazard potential, as indicated by a recent inspection in December 2020. The dam has uncontrolled spillways and outlet gates, posing a risk to the surrounding area in the event of a breach. The risk assessment for the dam is moderate, with a DSAC assigned date and risk management measures yet to be determined.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Dawes Arboretum Lake Dam presents a case of aging infrastructure in need of attention. With its historical significance and potential impact on the local ecosystem, the dam serves as a reminder of the importance of regular maintenance and monitoring to ensure the safety and sustainability of our water resources.

Year Completed

1954

Dam Length

920

Dam Height

22

River Or Stream

TRIBUTARY TO DUTCH FORK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7

Drainage Area

0.25

Nid Storage

72

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

22
       
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.