Holiday Haven Lake Dam I Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 21, 2025
Holiday Haven Lake Dam I, located in Buena Vista, Ohio, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1961 for recreational purposes.
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Summary
Standing at 37.9 feet tall and spanning 224 feet in length, the dam provides a storage capacity of 88 acre-feet with a normal storage level of 58 acre-feet. Situated on a tributary to Middle Fork, the dam's hazard potential is considered high, but its condition was assessed as satisfactory during the last inspection in 2017.
Managed by the Department of Natural Resources in Ohio, Holiday Haven Lake Dam I undergoes regular state inspections, permitting, and enforcement to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. Though lacking a spillway, the dam features a surface area of 5.3 acres and drains a small 0.09 square mile watershed. With a maximum discharge capacity of 946 cubic feet per second, the dam serves as a vital recreational resource for the surrounding community while also posing a potential flood risk due to its high hazard potential.
As an integral part of the Louisville District's water resource management, Holiday Haven Lake Dam I provides both recreational enjoyment and water storage capacity in Hocking County, Ohio. With a history of construction by the USDA Soil Conservation Service, the dam's design and purpose continue to support the region's water needs while prompting ongoing risk assessments and management measures to ensure public safety and environmental sustainability in the face of changing climate patterns.
Year Completed |
1961 |
Dam Length |
224 |
Dam Height |
37.9 |
River Or Stream |
TRIBUTARY TO MIDDLE FORK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
5.3 |
Drainage Area |
0.09 |
Nid Storage |
88 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
38 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Clear Creek Near Rockbridge Oh
|
77cfs |
Hocking River At Enterprise Oh
|
336cfs |
Scioto River At Circleville Oh
|
2660cfs |
Walnut Creek At Ashville Oh
|
276cfs |
Scioto River At Chillicothe Oh
|
4840cfs |
Paint Creek At Chillicothe Oh
|
3640cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Holiday Haven Lake Dam I