Lake Hamilton Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Hamilton Dam, located in Struthers, Ohio, is a concrete structure with a height of 70.1 feet and a length of 480 feet.


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Summary

Built in 1905, the dam serves a primary purpose of recreation and holds a storage capacity of 3,273.1 acre-feet. It is situated on Yellow Creek, with a drainage area of 33.5 square miles and a surface area of 104 acres.

Despite its historical significance, the dam is currently assessed as being in poor condition with a high hazard potential. The last inspection in May 2016 revealed the need for improvement, and the dam has been designated for regular inspections every five years. The Department of Natural Resources in Ohio regulates the dam, ensuring its continued safety and compliance with state permitting and inspection requirements.

Lake Hamilton Dam poses both a recreational attraction and a potential risk due to its condition. As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure, the importance of maintaining and upgrading dams like Lake Hamilton Dam becomes increasingly vital to safeguarding communities and the environment. Efforts to address the dam's poor condition and mitigate potential hazards are essential to ensuring the longevity and safety of this significant water resource in Mahoning County, Ohio.

Year Completed

1905

Dam Length

480

Dam Height

70.1

River Or Stream

YELLOW CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

104

Drainage Area

33.5

Nid Storage

3273.1

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

70
       
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.