O'Neil Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

O'Neil Lake Dam, located in Bentleyville, Ohio, serves as a crucial recreational resource in the area.


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Summary

With a height of 26 feet and a storage capacity of 75.2 acre-feet, this earth dam provides water for various activities and helps maintain the surrounding ecosystem. The dam is situated on a tributary to the Aurora Branch of the Chagrin River, making it a vital component of the local water infrastructure.

Despite its importance, O'Neil Lake Dam is currently assessed as being in poor condition, with a low hazard potential. The last inspection in April 2018 highlighted the need for maintenance and potential improvements to ensure the dam's long-term stability. The state of Ohio regulates and inspects the dam regularly, but further action may be necessary to address its current state and prevent any potential risks in the future.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is crucial to monitor and advocate for the proper maintenance and management of structures like O'Neil Lake Dam. By staying informed about its condition and advocating for necessary repairs or upgrades, we can help ensure the safety and functionality of this important water resource for both recreational and ecological purposes in Cuyahoga County, Ohio.

Dam Length

500

Dam Height

26

River Or Stream

TRIBUTARY TO AURORA BRANCH OF CHAGRIN RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6

Drainage Area

0.23

Nid Storage

75.2

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

26
       
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.
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Area Campgrounds