Ross Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Ross Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in Ohio. It was completed in 1967 and is 59 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 | 48 ft (taller than 90.2% in OH) |
| Dam Length | 750 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 4.4K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.7K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 140 acres |
| Drainage Area | 4 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 18,567 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1967 (59 years old) |
| NID ID | OH00443 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
ODNR, Division of Wildlife
State Government
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Significant Hazard 26 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Ross Lake Dam?
Ross 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 Ross Lake Dam?
Ross Lake Dam is owned by ODNR, Division of Wildlife (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Ross Lake Dam built?
Ross Lake Dam was completed in 1967, making it 59 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 Ross Lake Dam?
Ross 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 Ross Lake Dam?
Ross Lake Dam has a dam height of 48 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 Ross Lake Dam last inspected?
Ross Lake Dam was last inspected on November 14, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.