Upper Shaker Lake Dam

About Upper Shaker Lake Dam

The primary purpose of Upper Shaker Lake Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Multiple Owners - 1314-002 (local government). It impounds the Doan Brook near Cleveland Heights.

The dam stands 30 feet tall and stretches 615 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 11 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 155 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 1 square miles. Completed in 1852, the structure is one of the older dams in the region, with over a century and a half of service.

This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated unsatisfactory, indicating serious safety deficiencies exist that require immediate attention or remedial action. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 03/29/2023.

Living Downstream

If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Ohio dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.

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