Steeplechase Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Steeplechase Lake Dam, located in Tallmadge, Ohio, is a privately owned structure that serves primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Built in 1989, this earth dam stands at a height of 21.4 feet and has a storage capacity of 36 acre-feet. The dam is situated on a tributary to the Cuyahoga River, with a drainage area of 0.26 square miles.

Despite its satisfactory condition assessment in 2017, Steeplechase Lake Dam is classified as having a high hazard potential. The dam has a history of regular inspections by the Department of Natural Resources in Ohio, with the most recent inspection taking place in June 2017. As a state-regulated structure, the dam undergoes permitting, inspection, and enforcement by the relevant state agencies to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in Steeplechase Lake Dam can appreciate its significance as a recreational feature in the region, while also recognizing the importance of maintaining its structural integrity to mitigate potential hazards. The dam's location within the Buffalo District highlights its role in managing water resources and the surrounding environment. As one of many dams contributing to the water infrastructure in Ohio, Steeplechase Lake Dam exemplifies the intersection of human engineering with natural landscapes, emphasizing the need for responsible stewardship of water resources in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1989

Dam Length

510

Dam Height

21.4

River Or Stream

TRIBUTARY TO CUYAHOGA RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2.1

Drainage Area

0.26

Nid Storage

36

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

21
       
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.