Tennessee Gas Station 209 Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Tennessee Gas Station 209 Lake Dam, also known as the Recreation Area Lake, is a private dam located in Guernsey, Ohio.
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Summary
Built in 1951, this earth dam stands at a height of 17.6 feet and spans 580 feet in length. Its primary purpose is for recreation, offering a surface area of 8.1 acres and a drainage area of 0.37 square miles. The dam has a storage capacity of 58.4 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 36.6 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. However, the dam is currently rated as having a significant hazard potential and poor condition, with the last inspection conducted in September 2017. Despite these challenges, the dam continues to serve its recreational purpose along Flat Run and is a notable feature in the area.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Tennessee Gas Station 209 Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study of a privately owned recreational dam facing issues of safety and maintenance. With its historical significance dating back to the 1950s, the dam's condition assessment and hazard potential raise important questions about the management of aging infrastructure and the need for ongoing risk assessment and mitigation measures. As efforts continue to address the dam's deficiencies, its role in providing recreational opportunities while ensuring public safety remains a priority for stakeholders and regulators alike.
Year Completed |
1951 |
Dam Length |
580 |
Dam Height |
17.6 |
River Or Stream |
FLAT RUN |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
8.1 |
Drainage Area |
0.37 |
Nid Storage |
58.4 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
18 |
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.
Tennessee Gas Station 209 Lake Dam