Van Buren Lake Dam
Van Buren Lake Dam is an earth dam located in Hancock County, Ohio, built in 1939. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a poor condition assessment.
About Van Buren Lake Dam
The primary purpose of Van Buren Lake Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Odnr, Division Of Parks & Watercraft (state). It impounds the Rocky Ford Creek near Van Buren.
The dam stands 23 feet tall and stretches 475 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 55 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 903 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 22 square miles. Completed in 1939, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.
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. The most recent inspection on record was 10/17/2024.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Ohio |
| County | Hancock |
| Nearest City | Van Buren |
| River/Stream | Rocky Ford Creek |
| Coordinates | 41.13389, -83.64444 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 23 ft |
| Dam Height | 23 ft |
| Dam Length | 475 ft |
| Year Completed | 1939 (87 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 903 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 903 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 188 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 55 acres |
| Drainage Area | 22 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 9,530 cfs |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | ODNR, Division of Parks & Watercraft |
| Owner Type | State |
| Hazard Classification | Significant |
| Condition Assessment | Poor |
| Last Inspection | 10/17/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | No |
Identifiers
| NID ID | OH00450 |
| Federal ID | OH00450 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |