Details On Draining Of Horseshoe Lake In Shaker Heights

SHAKER HEIGHTS, OH — The Ohio Department of Natural Resources recommended Horseshoe Lake be completely drained after staff inspected the dam last week, a department official told Patch.

After steady and heavy rains throughout June, Shaker Heights crews noticed a change in the dam's condition late in the month. ODNR's Division of Water Resources Dam Safety staff inspected the dam on Wednesday and recommended the lake be completely drained.

Draining of the surrounding waters started during the week, after the city announced the sidewalk over the spillway would be closed to pedestrian traffic. The dam has been the subject of concern for nearly a year.

A representative for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources told Patch that in 2018, crews discovered a sinkhole on the crest of the Upper Shaker Lake dam (also known as Horseshoe Lake dam). ODNR asked the city to lower the water level by about three feet at that time.

The ODNR has been working with Shaker Heights and the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District to develop repair plans for the 167-year-old dam.

Mud flats have developed along the edge of the lake due to the draining of water. Visitors should avoid walking in or near the flats. The area will likely pose a serious danger to visitors and people could get stuck in the mud and need a rescue operation. Additional warning signs and reinforced fencing will be placed around the lake.

The sidewalk over the spillway will also be closed to pedestrian traffic until further notice, the city. Crews are investigating the dam, prompting the closure. Visitors will be unable to complete a loop around the lake using the path, the city said.