Pancake Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 19, 2025
Pancake Lake Dam, located in Clinton, Ohio, is a privately owned structure designed by Burgess and Niple, Ltd.
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Summary
The dam, completed in 1965, serves primarily for recreation purposes on Pancake Creek. Standing at a height of 19.7 feet with a length of 2000 feet, the dam boasts a storage capacity of 369 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 26 acres. Despite its relatively low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, the dam is subject to regular inspections, permitting, and enforcement by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
The dam's location in Summit County, Ohio, within the Buffalo District, highlights its significance in managing water resources and climate impacts in the region. With a drainage area of 7.8 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 4880 cubic feet per second, Pancake Lake Dam plays a crucial role in flood control and water management for the surrounding area. Its fair condition assessment indicates ongoing maintenance and monitoring efforts to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the structure for both recreational and environmental purposes.
As a key element in the local water infrastructure, Pancake Lake Dam's design, construction, and regulation underscore the importance of sustainable water resource management in the face of changing climate patterns. With its modest storage capacity, the dam provides a valuable recreational resource while also serving as a vital component in mitigating flood risks and maintaining water quality in the Pancake Creek watershed. Through continued inspection, enforcement, and risk assessment, Pancake Lake Dam stands as a testament to the intersection of water resources and climate resilience in the Ohio landscape.
Year Completed |
1965 |
Dam Length |
2000 |
Dam Height |
19.7 |
River Or Stream |
PANCAKE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
26 |
Drainage Area |
7.8 |
Nid Storage |
369 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Pancake Lake Dam
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