Buckeye Lake Dam
Buckeye Lake Dam is an other dam located in Licking County, Ohio, built in 1832. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Buckeye Lake Dam
The primary purpose of Buckeye 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 Tributary To South Fork Licking River near Buckeye Lake.
The dam stands 15 feet tall and stretches 21,700 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 2,800 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 20,000 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 44 square miles. Completed in 1832, 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 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 05/07/2024.
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.
Location
| State | Ohio |
| County | Licking |
| Nearest City | Buckeye Lake |
| River/Stream | Tributary To South Fork Licking River |
| Coordinates | 39.92778, -82.48833 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Other |
| NID Height | 15 ft |
| Dam Height | 15 ft |
| Dam Length | 21,700 ft |
| Year Completed | 1832 (194 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 20,000 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 20,000 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 14,000 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 2,800 acres |
| Drainage Area | 44 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 20,700 cfs |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | ODNR, Division of Parks & Watercraft |
| Owner Type | State |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 05/07/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | OH00474 |
| Federal ID | OH00474 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |