Meadow Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Beck Pond Dam Fieldstone Lake Dam
Last Updated: April 1, 2026
Meadow Lake Dam, located in Louisville, Ohio, is a private dam primarily used for recreation purposes.
Summary
Standing at a height of 18.8 feet, this earth dam holds a storage capacity of 28.9 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 4.5 acres. The dam plays a crucial role in regulating the flow of a tributary to the East Branch Nimishillen Creek, with a maximum discharge capacity of 1544 cubic feet per second.
Managed by the Department of Natural Resources in Ohio, Meadow Lake Dam is subject to state regulations, inspections, and enforcement to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The dam has been assessed as being in satisfactory condition during the last inspection in November 2020, with a significant hazard potential identified. Despite the potential risks, the dam continues to provide valuable recreational opportunities for the local community and serves as a vital piece of infrastructure in the region.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the intricate details of Meadow Lake Dam's design, purpose, and regulatory oversight offer a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of human infrastructure and natural ecosystems. The dam not only provides recreational benefits but also plays a critical role in water management, highlighting the importance of responsible dam ownership and maintenance in the face of evolving climate challenges. With its significant hazard potential and ongoing risk management considerations, Meadow Lake Dam stands as a testament to the delicate balance between human development and environmental stewardship in the realm of water resource management.
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°F
mph
Wind
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Humidity
15-Day Weather Outlook
Dam Length |
425 |
Dam Height |
18.8 |
River Or Stream |
TRIBUTARY TO EAST BRANCH NIMISHILLEN CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4.5 |
Drainage Area |
0.57 |
Nid Storage |
28.9 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
19 |
Seasonal Comparison
5-Day Hourly Forecast Detail
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.
Meadow Lake Dam