Brown Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Brown Lake Dam, located in Farmington, Ohio, is a private earth dam that was completed in 1968 for the primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

With a height of 23.2 feet and a length of 472 feet, the dam holds a storage capacity of 36.7 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 3 acres. Situated on a tributary to the Grand River, the dam is regulated by the Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular state inspections to ensure its structural integrity.

The dam poses a significant hazard potential but has been assessed as satisfactory in condition, with the last inspection conducted in May 2016. Despite its age, Brown Lake Dam continues to provide recreational opportunities for the local community while serving as a vital water resource in the region. The dam's emergency action plan was last revised in July 2020, showcasing a commitment to safety and risk management.

Managed by a private owner, Brown Lake Dam stands as a testament to the importance of water resource management and climate resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions. Its role in providing recreational activities and water storage highlights the significance of maintaining and monitoring dams to ensure public safety and environmental sustainability in the years to come.

Year Completed

1968

Dam Length

472

Dam Height

23.2

River Or Stream

TRIBUTARY TO GRAND RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3

Drainage Area

0.32

Nid Storage

36.7

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

23
       
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.