Leeth Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Located in Bourneville, Ohio, the Leeth Lake Dam stands as a private-owned structure that has been serving primarily for recreational purposes since its completion in 1965.
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Summary
With a height of 42.2 feet and a length of 550 feet, the dam holds a storage capacity of 98 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 5 acres. It is situated on a tributary to Upper Twin Creek, within Ross County.
Despite its significant hazard potential and poor condition assessment, the Leeth Lake Dam remains under state regulation by the Department of Natural Resources in Ohio. The dam has been inspected regularly, with the last assessment conducted in May 2018. While it poses risks due to its condition, efforts for risk management and emergency preparedness are yet to be fully established, as indicated by the lack of updated emergency action plans and inundation maps.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Leeth Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study in dam safety and maintenance. As a recreational structure in a picturesque setting, its significance extends beyond leisure activities to the critical need for ongoing monitoring and risk mitigation strategies. The dam's history, design features, and current assessment offer valuable insights into the challenges and responsibilities associated with managing water resources in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1965 |
Dam Length |
550 |
Dam Height |
42.2 |
River Or Stream |
TRIBUTARY TO UPPER TWIN CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5 |
Drainage Area |
0.13 |
Nid Storage |
98 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
42 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Paint Creek Near Bourneville Oh
|
397cfs |
Rocky Fork Near Barretts Mills Oh
|
305cfs |
Paint Creek Near Greenfield Oh
|
56cfs |
Paint Creek At Chillicothe Oh
|
496cfs |
Scioto River At Chillicothe Oh
|
1110cfs |
Scioto River At Piketon Oh
|
1960cfs |
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.
Leeth Lake Dam