Highlandtown Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 18, 2025

Highlandtown Lake Dam, located in Columbiana, Ohio, was completed in 1966 and stands at a height of 44 feet, with a length of 1476 feet.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a surface area of 184 acres and a maximum storage capacity of 5710 acre-feet. Situated on the Little Yellow Creek, this earth-type dam is owned and regulated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, with inspections conducted regularly to ensure safety and compliance.

Despite its picturesque setting and recreational appeal, Highlandtown Lake Dam is classified as having a high hazard potential with a poor condition assessment. The dam's emergency action plan was last updated in 2016, and it meets regulatory guidelines. However, there are no inundation maps prepared, and risk assessment and management measures are not specified. The dam's inspection frequency is every five years, with the latest assessment conducted in June 2019, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to address any potential safety concerns.

In the event of an emergency, it is crucial for authorities and stakeholders to be prepared and informed to mitigate risks and ensure public safety. With its vital role in water resource management and recreation, Highlandtown Lake Dam serves as a reminder of the importance of infrastructure maintenance and proactive measures to safeguard against potential hazards and climate-related impacts in the surrounding area.

Year Completed

1966

Dam Length

1476

Dam Height

44

River Or Stream

LITTLE YELLOW CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

184

Drainage Area

5.8

Nid Storage

5710

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

44
       
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.