DEER CREEK LAKE, Ohio — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has shut the spillway gates at Deer Creek Lake, causing water levels to surge more than six feet above normal summer pool levels and triggering sweeping closures across the park.
As of Friday morning, August 21, 2026, the lake reached an elevation of 816.17 feet—a rapid 5.05-foot jump over the past 24 hours. The rise follows a massive influx of upstream water, with inflow rates peaking near 2,910 cubic feet per second (cfs) while outflow was restricted to just 17.3 cfs to manage downstream flow.
The elevated water has submerged key recreational infrastructure, forcing park officials to shut down multiple facilities until further notice.
Current Site Closures
- Boating Access: Both the East and West Boat Ramps, along with the Marina boat ramp, are completely unusable.
- Park Facilities: The Marina, Marina parking lot, and lower level of the Marina building are inundated and closed. The public beach is also off-limits.
- Grounds & Access Roads: Old Route 207, the Wildlife Area, and the dedicated fisherman’s access road are flooded and closed to visitors.
officials advise visitors to stay clear of flooded roadways and submerged facilities. With lake levels currently hovering just over 816 feet, additional facilities—including the ODNR Shooting Range and the Miller Picnic Area—could face impacts if the pool continues to rise toward the 820-foot mark.
Boaters, anglers, and park visitors can monitor real-time water levels and facility updates directly through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Deer Creek Lake website.
