Deer Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Deer Lake Dam in Muskingum, Ohio, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1957 for recreational purposes.
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Summary
The dam stands at a height of 30 feet and spans 450 feet, providing a storage capacity of 138 acre-feet. Situated on a tributary to Jonathan Creek, this dam is regulated by the Department of Natural Resources in Ohio and undergoes regular state inspections, with a high hazard potential and poor condition assessment reported in the last inspection in 2018.
Despite its poor condition, Deer Lake Dam continues to be a popular spot for recreation, offering a surface area of 9 acres for activities like boating and fishing. The dam's drainage area is relatively small at 1.06 square miles, but it has a maximum discharge capacity of 527 cubic feet per second. With a high hazard potential, it is crucial for the owners to prioritize maintenance and risk management measures to ensure the safety of the surrounding community and downstream areas in case of emergencies.
While Deer Lake Dam provides valuable recreational opportunities, its deteriorating condition and high hazard potential raise concerns for its long-term safety and effectiveness. As a privately owned structure, it is essential for the owners to work closely with state regulatory agencies and implement necessary maintenance and risk management measures to mitigate potential risks and ensure the continued enjoyment of this water resource by enthusiasts in the region.
Year Completed |
1957 |
Dam Length |
450 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
TRIBUTARY TO JONATHAN CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
9 |
Drainage Area |
1.06 |
Nid Storage |
138 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
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.
Deer Lake Dam