Ellis Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 21, 2025
Ellis Lake Dam, located in Smithville, Ohio, was completed in 1961 and serves primarily for recreational purposes.
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Summary
The dam, with a height of 25.1 feet and a length of 600 feet, impounds water from Cranberry Run and Porcupine Creek, creating a surface area of 38.4 acres and a maximum storage capacity of 565 acre-feet. Despite its recreational significance, the dam is classified as having a "Significant" hazard potential and a "Poor" condition assessment as of its last inspection in June 2018.
Managed by a private owner, Ellis Lake Dam falls under the regulatory oversight of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement processes in place. The dam's location within the Buffalo District places it under the jurisdiction of the US Army Corps of Engineers, although it is not a federal facility. With a drainage area of 8.48 square miles, the dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 1770 cubic feet per second, highlighting its importance in managing water resources in the surrounding area.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Ellis Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study in the intersection of recreation, infrastructure, and environmental management. As efforts continue to ensure the safety and integrity of the dam, stakeholders are faced with the challenge of balancing the recreational benefits it provides with the potential risks associated with its condition and hazard potential. This dynamic highlights the ongoing importance of sustainable dam management practices in safeguarding both water resources and the communities that rely on them.
Year Completed |
1961 |
Dam Length |
600 |
Dam Height |
25.1 |
River Or Stream |
CRANBERRY RUN AND PORCUPINE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
38.4 |
Drainage Area |
8.48 |
Nid Storage |
565 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
25 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Sandusky River Near Upper Sandusky Oh
|
880cfs |
Tymochtee Creek At Crawford Oh
|
105cfs |
Honey Creek At Melmore Oh
|
273cfs |
Sandusky River Near Bucyrus Oh
|
97cfs |
Sandusky River At Tiffin Oh
|
2870cfs |
Rock Creek At Tiffin Oh
|
8cfs |
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.
Ellis Lake Dam