Whispering Hills Recreation Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 6, 2025
Whispering Hills Recreation Lake Dam in Ohio is a privately-owned structure designed by the USDA and SCS, with a primary purpose of recreation.
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Summary
Completed in 1968, this earth dam stands at a height of 23.4 feet and spans 800 feet in length, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 52 acre-feet. Situated in Holmes County, the dam is regulated by the Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations.
Despite its significant hazard potential and poor condition assessment, Whispering Hills Recreation Lake Dam continues to provide a valuable recreational resource for the community. The dam's location near Big Prairie and its proximity to the tributary to Lake Fork make it a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts looking to enjoy water-based activities. With a surface area of 6.3 acres and a normal storage capacity of 39 acre-feet, the dam offers a picturesque setting for fishing, boating, and other leisure activities.
While facing challenges in terms of its condition and hazard potential, Whispering Hills Recreation Lake Dam remains an integral part of the local landscape, offering residents and visitors a tranquil retreat for recreational enjoyment. With ongoing inspections and state oversight, efforts are being made to ensure the dam's continued safety and functionality for years to come, making it a valuable asset for water resource and climate enthusiasts in the region.
Year Completed |
1968 |
Dam Length |
800 |
Dam Height |
23.4 |
River Or Stream |
TRIBUTARY TO LAKE FORK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
6.3 |
Drainage Area |
0.14 |
Nid Storage |
52 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
23 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Whispering Hills Recreation Lake Dam