Bethesda Sportsmans Club Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bethesda Sportsmans Club Pond Dam, located in Armstrong Mills, Ohio, is a private recreational dam nestled in Belmont County.


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Summary

Built in 1958, this earthen dam stands at a height of 22 feet and spans 292 feet in length, providing a serene 7-acre surface area for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy. The dam holds a storage capacity of 78.1 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 37 feet, serving as a tranquil retreat for fishing, boating, and other recreational activities.

Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment as of November 2017 was marked as poor, underscoring the need for ongoing maintenance and improvements to ensure its long-term safety and functionality. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources serves as the state regulatory agency overseeing its permitting, inspection, and enforcement processes. Although the dam presents a low risk, proactive risk management measures and emergency preparedness plans are essential to safeguard the surrounding community and enhance the overall resilience of this beloved recreational resource.

With its picturesque location along a tributary to Long Run and under the jurisdiction of the Huntington District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Bethesda Sportsmans Club Pond Dam stands as both a recreational oasis and a critical infrastructure requiring diligent care and attention. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is imperative to advocate for sustainable practices, regular inspections, and proactive maintenance efforts to preserve this cherished natural asset for future generations to enjoy.

Year Completed

1958

Dam Length

292

Dam Height

22

River Or Stream

TRIBUTARY TO LONG RUN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7

Drainage Area

1.07

Nid Storage

78.1

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

22
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.