Brimfield Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Brimfield Lake Dam, located in Kent, Ohio, is a privately owned recreational structure constructed in 1959 with a primary purpose of providing recreational opportunities.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 16 feet and stretches 800 feet in length, with a normal storage capacity of 80 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 227 acre-feet. The dam is situated along a tributary to Plum Creek, covering a surface area of 12.8 acres and draining an area of 2.55 square miles.

Despite its recreational value, Brimfield Lake Dam poses a high hazard potential and has been assessed to be in poor condition as of June 2017. The dam is regulated by the Department of Natural Resources in Ohio, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance. The last inspection took place in June 2017, with a scheduled inspection frequency of 5 years. While the dam has not undergone modifications in recent years, its maintenance and emergency preparedness protocols are essential to mitigate risks associated with its structural integrity.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in Brimfield Lake Dam can appreciate its role in providing recreational activities while acknowledging the importance of ongoing maintenance and monitoring efforts to ensure public safety. The dam's location within the Huntington District and its association with a high-profile hazard potential highlight the need for proactive risk management measures. As a focal point for water management in Portage County, Ohio, Brimfield Lake Dam serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between human enjoyment of water resources and the need for responsible stewardship to protect both people and the environment.

Year Completed

1959

Dam Length

800

Dam Height

16

River Or Stream

TRIBUTARY TO PLUM CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

12.8

Drainage Area

2.55

Nid Storage

227

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

16
       
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.