Baker Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Baker Lake Dam, located in Sycamore Valley, Ohio, is a privately owned earth dam with a primary purpose of recreation.
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Summary
The dam stands at a height of 36.8 feet and has a storage capacity of 57.9 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 38.4 acre-feet. Although the dam's drainage area is relatively small at 0.13 square miles, it plays a significant role in providing recreational opportunities in the area.
Despite its importance for recreation, Baker Lake Dam is categorized as having a significant hazard potential with a poor condition assessment as of December 2020. The dam has not been inspected since then, with a scheduled inspection frequency of every 5 years. It is regulated by the Department of Natural Resources in Ohio and is located in Monroe County. The dam's location near the Clear Fork tributary and its capacity to discharge up to 133 cubic feet per second make it a crucial structure in managing water resources in the region.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Baker Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study of the intersection between recreational infrastructure and water management. With its historical designer Mr. Baker and its unique characteristics, such as a surface area of 3.6 acres and a length of 365 feet, the dam offers insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with maintaining and regulating dams in a changing climate. As efforts to address the dam's poor condition continue, stakeholders and policymakers must consider the broader implications for water resource management and climate resilience in the region.
Dam Length |
365 |
Dam Height |
36.8 |
River Or Stream |
TRIBUTARY TO CLEAR FORK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3.6 |
Drainage Area |
0.13 |
Nid Storage |
57.9 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
37 |
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.
Baker Lake Dam