Hetrick Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Hetrick Lake Dam in Muskingum, Ohio is a privately owned structure designed by Otto Luburgh with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

The dam, with a height of 28.9 feet and a length of 350 feet, creates a reservoir with a storage capacity of 44.2 acre-feet. Situated in Dillon Falls, this earth dam regulates a tributary to Big Run, providing a picturesque setting for water resource and climate enthusiasts to enjoy.

Managed by the Department of Natural Resources, the dam is state regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced to ensure its safety and functionality. The last inspection in December 2020 deemed the dam to be in satisfactory condition with low hazard potential. Despite being non-federally owned, the dam serves as a vital recreational resource in the region, offering a surface area of 3 acres for outdoor activities and water-based adventures.

With its tranquil location and well-maintained status, Hetrick Lake Dam presents a unique opportunity for individuals interested in water resource management and climate preservation to experience firsthand the intersection of human infrastructure and natural ecosystems. Whether engaging in recreational activities or studying the dam's design and operation, visitors to this site can appreciate the balance between human enjoyment and environmental stewardship.

Dam Length

350

Dam Height

28.9

River Or Stream

TRIBUTARY TO BIG RUN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3

Drainage Area

0.1

Nid Storage

44.2

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

29
       
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.