Mount Gilead Lower Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Mount Gilead Lower Lake Dam, located in Morrow, Ohio, is a state-regulated earth dam completed in 1930 by the Ohio Department of Agriculture.
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Summary
With a height of 20 feet and a length of 525 feet, the dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a surface area of 11.4 acres and a storage capacity of 95 acre-feet. Situated on Sams Creek, the dam is designed to withstand a maximum discharge of 2600 cubic feet per second.
Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the dam was assessed as satisfactory during its last inspection in 2012. The Department of Natural Resources in Ohio oversees the regulatory aspects of the dam, including permitting, inspection, and enforcement. With a history of regular inspections every 5 years and an emergency action plan in place, Mount Gilead Lower Lake Dam remains a vital water resource in the region, providing both recreational opportunities and essential flood control measures for the community.
In the hands of the state government, Mount Gilead Lower Lake Dam continues to be a key feature in the local landscape, managed with diligence and care to ensure its safety and efficacy. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is crucial to acknowledge the importance of such infrastructure in sustaining a balanced ecosystem and safeguarding against potential risks associated with dam failures. With ongoing monitoring and maintenance, Mount Gilead Lower Lake Dam stands as a testament to responsible water resource management in Ohio.
Year Completed |
1930 |
Dam Length |
525 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
SAMS CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
11.4 |
Drainage Area |
8.67 |
Nid Storage |
95 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
20 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Mount Gilead Lower Lake Dam