University School Lake Dam

About University School Lake Dam

The primary purpose of University School Lake Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by University School (private). It impounds the Tributary To Chagrin River near Gates Mills.

The dam stands 53 feet tall and stretches 175 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 3 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 83 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 1968, 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 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 04/26/2023.

At 53 feet, this dam is taller than 94% of dams nationwide.

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