Rocky Fork Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Rocky Fork Lake Dam, located in McCoppin Mill, Ohio, is a gravity dam on the Rocky Fork of Paint Creek that was completed in 1952.


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Summary

With a height of 73.5 feet and a length of 380 feet, the dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, providing a surface area of 2100 acres for water activities. The dam has a storage capacity of 87,050 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 35,299 acre-feet.

Despite its important role in recreation, Rocky Fork Lake Dam has been assessed as having a high hazard potential and a poor condition as of the last inspection in May 2018. The dam is state-regulated by the Department of Natural Resources, with permitting, inspection, and enforcement responsibilities falling under state jurisdiction. In the event of an emergency, an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) may be activated, although details on its preparation and compliance with guidelines are not provided in the data.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts may be drawn to the Rocky Fork Lake Dam for its impact on the local ecosystem, as well as the management challenges it poses. With its scenic surroundings and importance for recreation, the dam serves as a focal point for understanding the intersection of human infrastructure and natural resources in the Highland County area of Ohio. Additionally, the dam's poor condition assessment highlights the ongoing need for maintenance and risk management to ensure the safety of downstream communities and the environment.

Year Completed

1952

Dam Length

380

Dam Height

73.5

River Or Stream

ROCKY FORK OF PAINT CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

2100

Drainage Area

114

Nid Storage

87050

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

74
       
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.