Indian Canoe Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Indian Canoe Lake Dam, located in Portage, Ohio, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1958 for the primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 27.6 feet and has a length of 225 feet, creating a reservoir with a normal storage capacity of 63.8 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections, with the last assessment in April 2016 rating its condition as poor but with a low hazard potential.

Situated on a tributary to the West Branch Mahoning River, Indian Canoe Lake Dam offers a surface area of 9.3 acres for recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and wildlife observation. Despite its poor condition assessment, the dam continues to provide valuable water resources for the local community and serves as a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. With a maximum discharge rate of 130 cubic feet per second, the dam ensures the safety and stability of the surrounding area while also enhancing the natural landscape for visitors to enjoy.

Managed by a private owner, Indian Canoe Lake Dam plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem and supporting the diverse wildlife in the region. While its condition may warrant attention and potential improvements, the dam remains a vital resource for water storage and recreational opportunities in Portage, Ohio. As climate and water resource enthusiasts, this site offers a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of human infrastructure and natural environments, highlighting the importance of sustainable management practices for future generations.

Year Completed

1958

Dam Length

225

Dam Height

27.6

River Or Stream

TRIBUTARY TO WEST BRANCH MAHONING RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

9.3

Drainage Area

0.11

Nid Storage

84.5

Hazard Potential

Low

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.
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