Pine Lake Estates Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Pine Lake Estates Dam, located in Horns Mill, Ohio, is a privately-owned structure designed by Guy Smith and George Lieb.


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Summary

Built in 1962, this earth dam stands at a height of 25.7 feet and spans a length of 375 feet, creating a storage capacity of 145 acre-feet. The primary purpose of the dam is for recreation, with a normal storage capacity of 82 acre-feet.

This dam poses a high hazard potential and has been assessed to be in poor condition as of March 2017. Despite being regulated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and subject to state inspections and enforcement, the dam's condition raises concerns about its safety and the potential risks it poses to the surrounding area. With a drainage area of 0.74 square miles and a maximum discharge of 1100 cubic feet per second, any failure or breach of this dam could have significant consequences for the tributary to the Hocking River.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Pine Lake Estates Dam serves as a reminder of the importance of proper maintenance and monitoring of dams to ensure public safety and environmental protection. With its outdated condition assessment and high hazard potential, there is a need for continued vigilance and potential upgrades to mitigate risks and safeguard against potential disasters. It also highlights the critical role that regulatory agencies play in overseeing dam safety and the need for proactive measures to address issues before they escalate.

Year Completed

1962

Dam Length

375

Dam Height

25.7

River Or Stream

TRIBUTARY TO HOCKING RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

12

Drainage Area

0.74

Nid Storage

145

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

26
       
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.