Hickory Nut Golf Course Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Hickory Nut Golf Course Lake Dam in Lorain, Ohio, is a privately owned structure regulated by the Department of Natural Resources.


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Summary

Completed in 1963, this earth dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, with a height of 17.2 feet and a storage capacity of 50 acre-feet. The dam is situated on a tributary to the West Branch Rocky River and covers a surface area of 5.5 acres.

Despite its significant hazard potential, the dam is currently in poor condition as of the last inspection in October 2018. With a drainage area of 0.64 square miles and a maximum discharge of 92 cubic feet per second, the dam poses a potential risk to the surrounding area. The inspection frequency is set at 5 years, and the dam's emergency action plan status and risk assessment are currently unknown.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts may find Hickory Nut Golf Course Lake Dam an intriguing structure due to its unique location and design. As the dam continues to be monitored and regulated by the state authorities, its impact on the local ecosystem and community remains a subject of interest for those concerned with water management and environmental conservation in the region.

Year Completed

1963

Dam Length

180

Dam Height

17.2

River Or Stream

TRIBUTARY TO WEST BRANCH ROCKY RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5.5

Drainage Area

0.64

Nid Storage

50

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

17
       
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.