Burton Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Burton Lake Dam, located in Morrow, Ohio, is a privately owned earth dam primarily used for recreation.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Completed in 1958, this dam stands at a height of 30 feet and spans a length of 300 feet, offering a surface area of 4.3 acres and a storage capacity of 58 acre-feet. While the dam's primary purpose is for recreational activities, it also serves to regulate the flow of a tributary to First Creek, with a drainage area of 0.23 square miles.

Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is rated as poor, indicating a need for maintenance and potential repairs to ensure its long-term stability. The Department of Natural Resources in Ohio regulates and inspects the dam, emphasizing the importance of proper oversight and compliance with state regulations. The last inspection in April 2019 revealed the dam's poor condition, prompting the need for action to address any structural issues and ensure the safety of the surrounding community.

As a critical infrastructure asset in the area, Burton Lake Dam plays a vital role in water resource management and climate resilience efforts. Its upkeep and maintenance are essential to safeguarding against potential risks and ensuring the continued enjoyment of recreational activities at Burton Lake. The collaboration between private ownership and state regulatory agencies is crucial in overseeing the dam's operations, inspections, and enforcement to mitigate any potential hazards and maintain its structural integrity for years to come.

Year Completed

1958

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

TRIBUTARY TO FIRST CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4.3

Drainage Area

0.23

Nid Storage

58

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.