Hidden Lakes Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Hidden Lakes Dam, located in Novelty, Ohio, is a privately owned earth dam that was completed in 1954 for recreational purposes.


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Summary

With a height of 22.1 feet and a length of 250 feet, the dam creates a reservoir with a storage capacity of 34.9 acre-feet. Situated on a tributary to the Chagrin River, the dam covers a surface area of 3 acres and serves a drainage area of 0.79 square miles.

Despite its primary purpose for recreation, Hidden Lakes Dam has been classified as having a significant hazard potential and poor condition assessment. The dam is regulated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, which conducts regular inspections to ensure its safety. The last inspection in May 2018 revealed the dam's need for improvement, highlighting the importance of ongoing maintenance and risk management measures to mitigate any potential hazards.

In the event of an emergency, the dam lacks an updated Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and inundation maps, raising concerns about its preparedness for potential risks. With its location in Geauga County and close proximity to the Chagrin River, enthusiasts of water resources and climate change should monitor Hidden Lakes Dam for any developments in its condition and management practices to safeguard the surrounding community and environment.

Year Completed

1954

Dam Length

250

Dam Height

22.1

River Or Stream

TRIBUTARY TO CHAGRIN RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3

Drainage Area

0.79

Nid Storage

34.9

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

22
       
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