Comet Lake Dam

NIMISILA CREEK· Summit, Ohio· Built 1922· Earth· 26 ft tall

High Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Comet Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Ohio. It was completed in 1922 and is 104 years old. Its primary use is recreation. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height	26 ft (taller than 46.4% in OH)
Dam Length	140 ft
Dam Type	Earth
Max Storage	560 acre-ft
Normal Storage	226 acre-ft

Surface Area	40 acres
Drainage Area	9 sq mi
Max Discharge	1,421 cfs
Year Completed	1922 (104 years old)
NID ID	OH00479

Safety Information

High Hazard

Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes

Last Inspection: August 20, 2020

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: Department of Natural Resources

Ownership

Comet Lake Club, Inc.

Private

Nearby Dams

Nimisila Reservoir Dam

Summit, OH

High Hazard 44 ft

Crouse Pond Dam

Summit, OH

Significant Hazard 12 ft

Lake Noah Dam

Summit, OH

Significant Hazard 31 ft

Woodmoor Dam #2

Stark, OH

Significant Hazard 16 ft

Woodmoor Dam #1

Stark, OH

Significant Hazard 17 ft

Lords Lake Dam

Stark, OH

High Hazard 22 ft

Willowdale Lake Dam

Stark, OH

Significant Hazard 27 ft

Rogers Lake Dam

Stark, OH

Low Hazard 13 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Comet Lake Dam?

Comet Lake Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Comet Lake Dam?

Comet Lake Dam is owned by Comet Lake Club, Inc. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Comet Lake Dam built?

Comet Lake Dam was completed in 1922, making it 104 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Comet Lake Dam?

Comet Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Comet Lake Dam?

Comet Lake Dam has a dam height of 26 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Comet Lake Dam last inspected?

Comet Lake Dam was last inspected on August 20, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.