Upper Girard Lake Dam

Upper Girard Lake Dam is an earth dam located in Trumbull County, Ohio, built in 1929. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a poor condition assessment.

About Upper Girard Lake Dam

The primary purpose of Upper Girard Lake Dam is water supply. The dam stores water for municipal, industrial, or agricultural use, helping ensure a reliable supply for the surrounding area. The dam is owned by City Of Girard (local government). It impounds the Squaw Creek near Tibbetts Corners.

The dam stands 55 feet tall and stretches 2,720 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 175 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 4,289 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 13 square miles. Completed in 1929, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years 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 poor, meaning the dam has recognized safety deficiencies that require remediation to address risks. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 10/12/2021.

At 55 feet, this dam is taller than 94% of dams nationwide.

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.

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

High HazardPoor ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StateOhio
CountyTrumbull
Nearest CityTibbetts Corners
River/StreamSquaw Creek
Coordinates41.19361, -80.69472

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeEarth
NID Height55 ft
Dam Height55 ft
Dam Length2,720 ft
Year Completed1929 (97 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage4,289 acre-ft
Max Storage4,289 acre-ft
Normal Storage2,760 acre-ft
Surface Area175 acres
Drainage Area13 sq mi
Max Discharge8,500 cfs

Ownership & Safety

PurposeWater Supply
OwnerCity of Girard
Owner TypeLocal Government
Hazard ClassificationHigh
Condition AssessmentPoor
Last Inspection10/12/2021
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDOH00634
Federal IDOH00634
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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