Sunnyhill Freshwater Reservoir Dam

TRIBUTARY TO MOXAHALA CREEK· Perry, Ohio· Built 1959· Earth· 45 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Sunnyhill Freshwater Reservoir Dam is classified as significant hazard in Ohio. It was completed in 1959 and is 67 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 45 ft (taller than 88% in OH)
Dam Length670 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage828 acre-ft
Normal Storage203 acre-ft
Surface Area23 acres
Drainage Area2 sq mi
Max Discharge11,409 cfs
Year Completed1959 (67 years old)
NID IDOH00650

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

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

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: September 27, 2018
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: Department of Natural Resources

Ownership

Charles & Kathy Owen

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Sunnyhill Freshwater Reservoir Dam?

Sunnyhill Freshwater Reservoir Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Sunnyhill Freshwater Reservoir Dam?

Sunnyhill Freshwater Reservoir Dam is owned by Charles & Kathy Owen (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Sunnyhill Freshwater Reservoir Dam built?

Sunnyhill Freshwater Reservoir Dam was completed in 1959, making it 67 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 Sunnyhill Freshwater Reservoir Dam?

Sunnyhill Freshwater Reservoir 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 Sunnyhill Freshwater Reservoir Dam?

Sunnyhill Freshwater Reservoir Dam has a dam height of 45 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 Sunnyhill Freshwater Reservoir Dam last inspected?

Sunnyhill Freshwater Reservoir Dam was last inspected on September 27, 2018. 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.