Malaga Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Myers Pond Dam Monroe Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Malaga Lake Dam, also known as Stires Lake, is a private earth dam located in Alledonia, Ohio, in Monroe County.
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Summary
Built in 1972 by the USDA NRCS, this dam stretches 250 feet in length and stands at a height of 31 feet, holding back a maximum storage capacity of 164.6 acre-feet of water from the Cranenest Creek. With a primary purpose of recreation, the dam offers a surface area of 12.6 acres and a normal storage capacity of 92 acre-feet.
Despite its low hazard potential, Malaga Lake Dam is in poor condition and was last inspected in November 2020. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled, and it lacks outlet gates, raising concerns over its ability to manage water discharge effectively. The Department of Natural Resources regulates the dam, ensuring it complies with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements. Its risk assessment indicates a moderate level of risk, emphasizing the need for proper risk management measures to protect the surrounding community and environment. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Malaga Lake Dam presents an intriguing case study of a privately owned dam with significant recreational value but in need of maintenance and upgrades to ensure its long-term safety and functionality.
Year Completed |
1972 |
Dam Length |
250 |
Dam Height |
31 |
River Or Stream |
CRANENEST CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
12.6 |
Drainage Area |
0.43 |
Nid Storage |
164.6 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
31 |
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.
Malaga Lake Dam