Harvey's Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Harvey's Lake Dam, located in Geauga, Ohio, stands as a significant recreational structure completed in 1952.


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Summary

The earth dam, with a height of 18.5 feet and a length of 310 feet, serves primarily for recreation purposes, offering a serene surface area of 4.2 acres and a drainage area of 0.58 square miles. Managed by a private owner, the dam is regulated by the Department of Natural Resources in Ohio and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity.

Despite its picturesque setting and recreational appeal, Harvey's Lake Dam poses a significant hazard potential and has received a poor condition assessment as of March 2017. With a normal storage capacity of 19.39 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 495 cubic feet per second, the dam requires diligent risk management measures to mitigate potential risks. The dam's emergency action plan status, inundation maps, and risk assessment details remain unspecified, raising concerns about the readiness for potential emergencies and the overall safety of the surrounding area.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts explore Harvey's Lake Dam and its tributary to the Cuyahoga River, attention is drawn to the dam's historical significance, structural design, and operational challenges. With its outdated condition assessment and lack of specific risk management details, the dam presents a compelling case for improved maintenance and emergency preparedness to safeguard both the recreational opportunities it offers and the surrounding ecosystem. The collaboration between private owners, state regulators, and relevant agencies is essential in ensuring the long-term sustainability and safety of Harvey's Lake Dam for future generations to enjoy.

Year Completed

1952

Dam Length

310

Dam Height

18.5

River Or Stream

TRIBUTARY TO CUYAHOGA RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4.2

Drainage Area

0.58

Nid Storage

36.27

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

19
       
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.