Hinckley Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Hinckley Lake Dam, located in Echo Lake Glen, Ohio, is a picturesque earth dam built in 1928 by the Cleveland Metropolitan Park District for recreational purposes.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 39.6 feet and spans a length of 750 feet, creating a storage capacity of 1,574 acre-feet and a surface area of 71.2 acres. However, recent inspections have revealed a poor condition assessment and a high hazard potential, prompting concerns for its structural integrity and the safety of downstream communities.

Managed by the Department of Natural Resources in Ohio, the Hinckley Lake Dam is subject to state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement to ensure its safe operation. The dam controls the flow of the East Branch Rocky River, with a drainage area of 22.09 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 12,136 cubic feet per second. Despite its scenic beauty and recreational value, the dam's deteriorating condition underscores the importance of ongoing maintenance and risk management measures to prevent potential failures and protect surrounding ecosystems.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is crucial to monitor the maintenance and rehabilitation efforts of the Hinckley Lake Dam to safeguard its structural integrity and the safety of downstream communities. With its historical significance and recreational importance, the dam serves as a vital asset for water conservation and outdoor recreation in the region. By staying informed and advocating for responsible dam management practices, we can help preserve this iconic structure for future generations to enjoy while mitigating potential risks associated with its aging infrastructure.

Year Completed

1928

Dam Length

750

Dam Height

39.6

River Or Stream

EAST BRANCH ROCKY RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

71.2

Drainage Area

22.09

Nid Storage

1574

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

40
       
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.