Votel Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Votel Lake Dam, located in Lebanon, Ohio, is a privately owned structure regulated by the Department of Natural Resources.


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Summary

Completed in 1954, this earth dam serves primarily for water supply purposes and stands at a height of 38.5 feet, with a storage capacity of 97.3 acre-feet. The dam's normal storage level is 70.6 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 10.7 acres and draining a small watershed of 0.07 square miles.

With its significant hazard potential and fair condition assessment as of April 2019, Votel Lake Dam underscores the importance of regular inspections and maintenance to ensure its safety and reliability. The dam has a history of inspections dating back to 2015, with an inspection frequency of every five years. While the dam has not experienced any major modifications over the years, its emergency action plan status and risk management measures are not clearly defined, raising potential concerns for effective response in case of emergencies.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in Votel Lake Dam can appreciate its unique location on a tributary to Turtle Creek, its role in providing water supply to the region, and the ongoing regulatory oversight by the state authorities. The dam's structural features, storage capacity, and operational parameters offer valuable insights into the intersection of infrastructure, water management, and environmental stewardship in the context of Ohio's water resources and climate resilience efforts.

Year Completed

1954

Dam Length

1150

Dam Height

38.5

River Or Stream

TRIBUTARY TO TURTLE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10.7

Drainage Area

0.07

Nid Storage

97.3

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

39
       
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.