Candlewood Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Candlewood Lake Dam, located in Mt.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Gilead, Ohio, stands as a testament to the impressive engineering feats of Dodson-Lindblom & Associates, Columbus, Ohio, who designed the structure back in 1974. With a height of 58 feet and a length of 1170 feet, this earth dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a surface area of 200 acres and a maximum storage capacity of 7125 acre-feet. The dam overlooks Whetstone Creek and is under the regulatory oversight of the Department of Natural Resources in Ohio.

Despite its fair condition assessment and high hazard potential, Candlewood Lake Dam has undergone regular inspections, with the most recent one taking place on October 30, 2020. The dam is equipped with emergency action plans and adequate measures to mitigate risks and ensure public safety. Its location in Morrow County, Ohio, makes it a vital asset for water resource management and climate resilience in the region, with a drainage area of 12.3 square miles and the capability to discharge up to 46,230 cubic feet per second in case of emergencies.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the significance of Candlewood Lake Dam as a crucial infrastructure for recreation and water management in Ohio. Its strategic design and operational efficiency, coupled with regular inspections and emergency preparedness, highlight the commitment to ensuring the safety and sustainability of this essential water resource. With a rich history dating back to its completion in 1974, Candlewood Lake Dam continues to play a pivotal role in maintaining the balance between recreational enjoyment and environmental protection in the region.

Year Completed

1974

Dam Length

1170

Dam Height

58

River Or Stream

WHETSTONE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

200

Drainage Area

12.3

Nid Storage

7125

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

58
       
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.