Charlemont Creek Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Charlemont Creek Lake Dam, located in Lorain, Ohio, is a private earth dam completed in 1969 for recreational purposes.


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Summary

The dam, with a height of 20.5 feet and a length of 270 feet, serves to create a reservoir with a storage capacity of 66.6 acre-feet and a surface area of 8.1 acres. The dam is regulated by the Department of Natural Resources in Ohio, ensuring regular inspections and enforcement measures to maintain its safety.

Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2018 revealed poor conditions, highlighting the need for maintenance and potential repairs. The dam is situated on a tributary to Charlemont Creek and plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region. With a drainage area of 0.68 square miles, the dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 116 cubic feet per second, providing flood protection and recreational opportunities for the surrounding area.

The dam's designer, Steven Free, has left his mark on this structure that continues to be a focal point for water enthusiasts and climate advocates. As efforts are made to address the dam's maintenance needs and ensure its long-term sustainability, Charlemont Creek Lake Dam remains a vital component of the water infrastructure in Lorain County, Ohio, showcasing the intersection of recreation, water resource management, and environmental stewardship.

Year Completed

1969

Dam Length

270

Dam Height

20.5

River Or Stream

TRIBUTARY TO CHARLEMONT CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8.1

Drainage Area

0.68

Nid Storage

66.6

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

21
       
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.