Royal Oak Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Hidden Lakes Upper Dam Karr Lake Dam
Last Updated: February 22, 2026
Royal Oak Lake Dam, located in Meigs, Ohio, stands as a significant structure designed by the USDA NRCS in 1964, with a primary purpose of recreation.
Summary
The dam, constructed from earth and stone materials, reaches a height of 34 feet and stretches 390 feet in length, offering a storage capacity of 134 acre-feet. Situated on a tributary to Nease Creek, the dam's condition assessment is classified as poor, with a significant hazard potential. However, the state regulatory agency, Department of Natural Resources, oversees its permitting, inspection, and enforcement processes, ensuring public safety and environmental compliance.
Despite its poor condition assessment, Royal Oak Lake Dam continues to serve as a recreational source for the local community, offering a surface area of 7.9 acres and a drainage area of 0.2 square miles. The dam's uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates present moderate risk, with a maximum discharge capacity of 132 cubic feet per second. The location's risk management measures and emergency action plan readiness are currently undetermined, indicating the need for further assessment and preparedness in case of potential hazards or emergencies. With its historical significance and natural beauty, Royal Oak Lake Dam remains a valuable resource for water and climate enthusiasts, highlighting the importance of proper maintenance and oversight to ensure its long-term sustainability.
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Humidity
15-Day Weather Outlook
Year Completed |
1964 |
Dam Length |
390 |
Dam Height |
34 |
River Or Stream |
TRIBUTARY TO NEASE CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7.9 |
Drainage Area |
0.2 |
Nid Storage |
134 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
34 |
Seasonal Comparison
5-Day Hourly Forecast Detail
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Shade River Near Chester Oh
|
144cfs |
Hocking River At Athens Oh
|
1430cfs |
Raccoon Creek Near Bolin Mills Oh
|
47cfs |
Raccoon Creek At Adamsville Oh
|
1000cfs |
Little Raccoon Creek Near Ewington Oh
|
18cfs |
Sunday Creek Below Millfield Oh
|
54cfs |
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.
Royal Oak Lake Dam