Sally Buffalo Park Lake No. 2 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Sally Buffalo Park Lake No.


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Summary

2 Dam, located in Oak Park, Ohio, is a local government-owned structure with a primary purpose of recreation. Built in 1953, this earth dam stands at a height of 13.2 feet and has a storage capacity of 31.9 acre-feet, providing a surface area of 7.5 acres for recreational activities. The dam is situated on a tributary to Sally Buffalo Creek and is regulated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

Despite its recreational value, the dam poses a high hazard potential and has been assessed to be in poor condition as of the last inspection in October 2017. With an inspection frequency of every 5 years, the dam's emergency action plan (EAP) was last revised in November 2021. While there are no associated spillways or outlet gates, the dam's maximum discharge capacity is 9 cubic feet per second. The risk assessment and management measures for this dam are currently unspecified, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure public safety and environmental protection.

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate science can appreciate the significance of Sally Buffalo Park Lake No. 2 Dam as a recreational asset in Harrison County, Ohio. With its historical construction, limited storage capacity, and potential risks, this dam serves as a reminder of the importance of proper inspection, maintenance, and emergency preparedness for water infrastructure in the face of changing climate conditions. As stakeholders continue to monitor and manage this dam, there is a need for collaboration between local government agencies and the community to safeguard the dam's integrity and ensure sustainable water resource management for future generations.

Year Completed

1953

Dam Length

400

Dam Height

13.2

River Or Stream

TRIBUTARY TO SALLY BUFFALO CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7.5

Drainage Area

0.07

Nid Storage

31.9

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

13
       
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.