Ockenga Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Huron County, Ohio, the Ockenga Lake Dam is a privately owned structure that serves primarily for recreational purposes.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Completed in 1966, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 28.6 feet and has a length of 200 feet. The dam has a normal storage capacity of 28 acre-feet and a maximum storage capacity of 38 acre-feet, covering a surface area of 3.7 acres and draining a small 0.07 square mile area.

Despite its low hazard potential, the Ockenga Lake Dam has a poor condition assessment as of its last inspection in October 2016. The dam is regulated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place. The structure's safety is monitored through a 5-year inspection frequency. The dam is situated on a tributary to the Vermilion River and is part of the Buffalo District.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find the Ockenga Lake Dam a point of interest due to its recreational significance and the potential environmental implications of its condition. The dam's role in managing water flow and providing leisure activities underscores the importance of maintaining its structural integrity and regulatory compliance. As a privately owned facility, the dam represents a blend of human intervention in natural landscapes, inviting further exploration into the intersection of water management, ecological impact, and community engagement.

Year Completed

1966

Dam Length

200

Dam Height

28.6

River Or Stream

TRIBUTARY TO VERMILION RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3.7

Drainage Area

0.07

Nid Storage

38

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

29
       
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.