Kettenring Hills Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Nestled in the picturesque Kettenring Hills of Defiance, Ohio, the Kettenring Hills Lake Dam stands as a testament to both engineering ingenuity and environmental stewardship.


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Summary

Completed in 1976, this private-owned earth dam serves a primary purpose of recreation, offering a serene 5.5-acre lake for water enthusiasts to enjoy. With a height of 30 feet and a storage capacity of 77 acre-feet, this dam provides not only a scenic backdrop but also essential water management for the surrounding area.

Managed by the Department of Natural Resources, the Kettenring Hills Lake Dam undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and safety. With a low hazard potential and a fair condition assessment, this dam continues to be a reliable and vital part of the local water resource infrastructure. Situated in Independence, Ohio, this dam plays a crucial role in managing the flow of the tributary to the Maumee River, further emphasizing its importance in the region's water management system.

Despite its unassuming hazard potential, the Kettenring Hills Lake Dam remains a key component in the local ecosystem, providing not only recreational opportunities but also essential water storage and management capabilities. With its tranquil waters and scenic surroundings, this earth dam serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between human development and environmental conservation in the face of climate change and water resource challenges.

Year Completed

1976

Dam Length

180

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

TRIBUTARY TO MAUMEE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5.5

Drainage Area

0.18

Nid Storage

77

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

30
       
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.