Varian Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Varian Lake Dam, located in Stark County, Ohio, is a private dam primarily used for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Built in 1964 by the USDA Soil Conservation Service, this earth dam stands at 32 feet high and stretches 545 feet in length, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 61.6 acre-feet. The dam is situated on a tributary to Indian Run and is under the regulatory oversight of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

With a significant hazard potential, Varian Lake Dam has been rated as structurally sound and in satisfactory condition as of the last inspection in November 2020. The dam poses a risk to the surrounding area in the event of a failure, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance. Emergency action plans are presumably in place, although details about their preparation and guidelines compliance are not specified in the available data.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Varian Lake Dam serves as both a recreational asset and a critical piece of infrastructure requiring careful management and oversight. Its role in providing water storage and recreational opportunities underscores the need for continued vigilance in ensuring its safety and functionality for the community of Goodland Acres and beyond.

Year Completed

1964

Dam Length

545

Dam Height

32

River Or Stream

TRIBUTARY TO INDIAN RUN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5.2

Drainage Area

0.11

Nid Storage

61.6

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

32
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.