Jackson Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Jackson Lake Dam, also known as Big Rock Lake, is a private-owned structure located in Limerick, Ohio, within Jackson County.


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Summary

This dam serves as a crucial water supply source, with a storage capacity of 551.4 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 306 acre-feet. Situated on Big Run, the dam has a significant hazard potential and has been assessed to be in poor condition as of October 2017.

Constructed as an earth dam, Jackson Lake Dam stands at a height of 28.1 feet and stretches for 667 feet in length, covering a surface area of 42.7 acres. Despite its state-regulated status and mandatory inspections, the dam's condition raises concerns for water resource and climate enthusiasts. The dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 791 cubic feet per second, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its safety and reliability for water supply purposes.

While the dam's last inspection was conducted in October 2017, with a scheduled frequency of 5 years, the lack of recent data on its condition and emergency preparedness raises questions about its current risk management measures. With the Department of Natural Resources overseeing state regulations and enforcement, continued attention to the maintenance and upkeep of Jackson Lake Dam is essential to mitigate potential hazards and ensure the safety of the surrounding community and water resources.

Dam Length

667

Dam Height

28.1

River Or Stream

BIG RUN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

42.7

Drainage Area

4.97

Nid Storage

551.4

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

28
       
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.