Ritz Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Salt Fork Lake Dam Jack Towne Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Ritz Lake Dam, also known as Culbertson Farm Lake, is a private dam located in Guernsey, Ohio, that serves primarily for recreational purposes.
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Summary
Constructed in 1973 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 30.3 feet and has a length of 335 feet, holding a maximum storage capacity of 48.9 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Department of Natural Resources in Ohio, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place to ensure its safety and compliance.
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2017 was reported as poor. With a moderate risk rating, it is essential for proper risk management measures to be implemented to address any potential safety concerns. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, and it is equipped with uncontrolled outlet gates. Regular inspections are conducted every five years to assess its condition and ensure its integrity. As a tributary to Wills Creek, Ritz Lake Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region.
Overall, Ritz Lake Dam serves as a vital infrastructure for recreation and water management in the area, highlighting the importance of proper maintenance and risk mitigation strategies for sustainable water resource management. With its scenic location and significant storage capacity, efforts to improve its condition and safety measures are crucial to ensure its long-term functionality and resilience in the face of changing climate conditions. Collaboration between private owners, state agencies, and federal regulators is essential to address the challenges and opportunities associated with this important water resource infrastructure.
Year Completed |
1973 |
Dam Length |
335 |
Dam Height |
30.3 |
River Or Stream |
TRIBUTARY TO WILLS CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
3.3 |
Drainage Area |
0.33 |
Nid Storage |
48.9 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
30 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
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. Investigations and studies are necessary.
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.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.
Hazard Potential Classification
HighDams 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, environment 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.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
Ritz Lake Dam
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