Lake Forest Dam

Lake Forest Dam is an earth dam located in Lawrence County, Ohio, built in 1958. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.

About Lake Forest Dam

The primary purpose of Lake Forest Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Lake Forest Association (private). It impounds the Tributary To Symmes Creek near Getaway.

The dam stands 37 feet tall and stretches 600 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 19 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 338 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 1958, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.

This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 04/29/2021.

At 37 feet, this dam is taller than 84% of dams nationwide.

Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.

Significant HazardSatisfactory ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StateOhio
CountyLawrence
Nearest CityGetaway
River/StreamTributary To Symmes Creek
Coordinates38.54306, -82.45694

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeEarth
NID Height37 ft
Dam Height37 ft
Dam Length600 ft
Year Completed1958 (68 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage338 acre-ft
Max Storage338 acre-ft
Normal Storage185 acre-ft
Surface Area19 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge1,738 cfs

Ownership & Safety

PurposeRecreation
OwnerLake Forest Association
Owner TypePrivate
Hazard ClassificationSignificant
Condition AssessmentSatisfactory
Last Inspection04/29/2021
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDOH00144
Federal IDOH00144
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

Nearby Dams