Lake Peniel Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Peniel Dam, located in Morrow, Ohio, is a privately-owned structure with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Built in 1975, this earth dam stands at a height of 17.4 feet and has a storage capacity of 155.9 acre-feet. The dam, designed by USDA NRCS, serves as a reservoir for the tributary to Kokosing River and covers a surface area of 19.5 acres.

Managed by the Department of Natural Resources in Ohio, Lake Peniel Dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. Despite being classified as having a significant hazard potential, the dam is currently in fair condition, as per the last assessment done in November 2019. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled, with an outlet gate also being uncontrolled.

The risk assessment for Lake Peniel Dam is moderate, with a rating of 3 on a scale indicating the level of risk. Although there are no specific risk management measures mentioned, the dam is subject to regular inspections with an inspection frequency of every 5 years. As a vital water resource and recreational site, Lake Peniel Dam plays a crucial role in the local ecosystem and provides opportunities for outdoor activities for enthusiasts in the area.

Year Completed

1975

Dam Length

277

Dam Height

17.4

River Or Stream

TRIBUTARY TO KOKOSING RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

19.5

Drainage Area

0.11

Nid Storage

155.9

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

17
       
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.