Willis Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Willis Lake Dam, located in Belfast, Ohio, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1995 for water supply purposes.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 31 feet and has a length of 900 feet, providing a storage capacity of 81 acre-feet. With a normal storage of 29 acre-feet, the dam serves as a critical water resource for the surrounding area, covering a surface area of 4.3 acres and draining a 0.13 square mile watershed.

Managed by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, the dam is subject to state regulations, inspections, and enforcement to ensure its safety and compliance with standards. Despite being classified as a low hazard potential structure with fair condition assessment, the dam undergoes regular inspections every five years to monitor its integrity. The last inspection conducted in May 2018 confirmed its stable condition and readiness for emergency situations.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate Willis Lake Dam for its significant role in providing water supply to the community while adhering to state regulatory measures. The dam's construction, storage capacity, and location in the Lost Fork tributary highlight its importance in water management and conservation efforts. As a vital infrastructure for the region, the dam's maintenance and monitoring ensure its continued functionality and support for sustainable water resource management in Highland County, Ohio.

Year Completed

1995

Dam Length

900

Dam Height

31

River Or Stream

TRIBUTARY TO LOST FORK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4.3

Drainage Area

0.13

Nid Storage

81

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

31
       
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.