Gorge Plant Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Gorge Plant Dam, located in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, is a concrete structure completed in 1912 with a primary purpose of water supply.


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Summary

It stands at a height of 57 feet and stretches 420 feet in length, providing a storage capacity of 1149 acre-feet. The dam is situated on the Cuyahoga River within Summit County, Ohio, and is owned by a public utility.

Despite its historical significance and essential role in water management, the Gorge Plant Dam has been rated as having a high hazard potential and poor condition assessment. The last inspection in 2017 revealed the need for significant improvements and maintenance. The dam is under state regulation and inspection by the Department of Natural Resources, ensuring compliance with safety standards and enforcement of necessary upgrades.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Gorge Plant Dam serves as a vital infrastructure for water supply in the region, but its deteriorating condition poses risks that must be addressed promptly. With its location along the Cuyahoga River and its critical role in managing water resources, efforts to improve the dam's safety and functionality are essential to ensuring the continued availability of water for the community. The involvement of state regulatory agencies and the recognition of necessary maintenance highlight the importance of proactive measures to safeguard this important structure for the future.

Year Completed

1912

Dam Length

420

Dam Height

57

River Or Stream

CUYAHOGA RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

34

Drainage Area

330

Nid Storage

1149

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

57
       
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.