Crystal Lake Dam dam
Crystal Lake Dam
Crystal Lake Dam, located in Stark, Ohio, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1955 for recreational purposes. It stands at a height of 10.4 feet and has a storage capacity of 51.8 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 22.1 acre-feet. The dam spans a length of 1000 feet and covers a surface area of 9.9 acres, serving as a popular spot for outdoor activities and water-based recreation in the area.
Despite its recreational value, Crystal Lake Dam poses a significant hazard potential with a poor condition assessment, as last inspected in July 2020. The dam is state-regulated by the Department of Natural Resources, with permitting, inspection, and enforcement conducted at the state level. The dam's proximity to the Black Run tributary further emphasizes the importance of regular monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure for both recreational and environmental considerations.
The dam's location within the Huntington District and under the regulatory oversight of Ohio highlights the collaborative efforts required to manage its operations and mitigate potential risks. With a congressman representing the area, Bob Gibbs, the dam's condition assessment and emergency preparedness are crucial aspects that need attention to safeguard the surrounding community and water resources. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, staying informed about the state of Crystal Lake Dam and advocating for its upkeep are essential for preserving its recreational value and environmental integrity.
Dam data reference
Condition Assessment
- Satisfactory
- No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
- Fair
- No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action.
- Poor
- A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency.
- Unsatisfactory
- A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
- Not Rated
- The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Hazard Potential Classification
- High
- Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
- Significant
- Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
- Low
- Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
- Undetermined
- Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Crystal Lake Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Sandy Creek At Waynesburg Oh | 219 cfs | → |
| E Branch Nimishillen Crk At Trump Ave Nr Canton Oh | 8 cfs | → |
| Nimishillen Creek At North Industry Oh | 161 cfs | → |
| Middle Branch Nimishillen Creek At Canton Oh | 34 cfs | → |
| W Br Nimishillen Crk At Tuscarawas St At Canton Oh | 17 cfs | → |
| Huff Run At Mineral City Oh | 16 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Crystal Lake Dam.
Boat launches
- Atwood Lake Boat Launch
- Portage Lakes State Park - C 6
- Portage Lakes State Park - Cg
- Berlin Lake Boat Ramp
- Beach City Dam Launch Ramp
- Portage Lakes State Park - 2 Na
Campgrounds
- Pride Valley Campgrounds
- Abc Country Camping And Cabins
- Harrison Hills Campground
- Atwood Lake Campground (Main Gate)
- Guilford Lake State Park
- Petersburg Boat Landing
Fishing spots
Paddle runs
Track Crystal Lake Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Crystal Lake Dam
Where does the data for Crystal Lake Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Significant hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Crystal Lake Dam.