Shadow Hill Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Shadow Hill Lake Dam, located in Kirtland, Ohio, is a private earth dam designed by Braun, Prenosil & Associates and completed in 1973.


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Summary

The dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, with a storage capacity of 35.3 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 18.9 acre-feet. With a height of 20.6 feet and a length of 200 feet, the dam sits on the tributary to the East Branch Chagrin River, contributing to a surface area of 3.6 acres and a drainage area of 0.13 square miles.

State-regulated by the Department of Natural Resources, Shadow Hill Lake Dam has a high hazard potential and is subject to regular inspections every 5 years, with the latest assessment in May 2018 rating its condition as satisfactory. Although there are no specific spillway details provided, the dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 1142 cubic feet per second. Despite the lack of associated structures or outlet gates, the dam remains a critical component for recreational activities in the area, highlighting the importance of its maintenance and adherence to state regulatory guidelines.

As a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts, Shadow Hill Lake Dam offers a glimpse into the intersection of human-made infrastructure and natural ecosystems. With its location within Geauga County, Ohio, and proximity to the Buffalo District of the USACE, the dam showcases the delicate balance between water management for recreation and the potential risks associated with high hazard dams. Through ongoing monitoring and inspections, stakeholders can ensure the safety and functionality of Shadow Hill Lake Dam for both present and future generations of outdoor enthusiasts and environmental stewards.

Year Completed

1973

Dam Length

200

Dam Height

20.6

River Or Stream

TRIBUTARY TO EAST BRANCH CHAGRIN RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3.6

Drainage Area

0.13

Nid Storage

35.3

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

21
       
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.