Buckeye Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Buckeye Lake Dam in Ohio, completed in 1832, stands as a historic structure with a primary purpose of recreation.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Owned by the State of Ohio and regulated by the Department of Natural Resources, the earth dam is situated in Licking County and spans 21,700 feet in length with a height of 14.5 feet. The dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources, providing a surface area of 2,800 acres for recreational activities and holding a maximum storage capacity of 20,000 acre-feet.

Despite its age, Buckeye Lake Dam has been assessed as satisfactory in condition and is subject to regular inspections, with the last conducted in March 2019. The dam poses a high hazard potential due to its size and location near the tributary to the South Fork Licking River, emphasizing the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance. With a drainage area of 44.1 square miles and a maximum discharge of 20,700 cubic feet per second, the dam's critical role in flood control and water management for the region cannot be overstated.

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Buckeye Lake Dam to be a fascinating example of early 19th-century engineering and its continued relevance in modern water management practices. As a vital recreational hub in Ohio, the dam's historical significance and functional importance highlight the intersection of human development and natural resource conservation. With its high hazard potential and strategic location, Buckeye Lake Dam serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges and responsibilities in safeguarding our water infrastructure for future generations.

Year Completed

1832

Dam Length

21700

Dam Height

14.5

River Or Stream

TRIBUTARY TO SOUTH FORK LICKING RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2800

Drainage Area

44.1

Nid Storage

20000

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

15
       
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.