Sunshine Lakes Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Ismond Pond Dam Summitville Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 19, 2025
Sunshine Lakes Dam, located in Columbiana, Ohio, serves as a crucial structure for tailings management, with a primary purpose of containing waste materials.
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Summary
This private dam, standing at a height of 37.5 feet, stores up to 211 acre-feet of water in its reservoir, providing essential storage for the surrounding area. However, concerns have been raised about its condition, as the latest assessment in May 2019 rated it as poor, with a significant hazard potential due to its deteriorating state.
Despite being a privately owned and regulated dam, the Department of Natural Resources in Ohio oversees its permitting, inspection, and enforcement processes. The dam's location on a tributary to West Fork Little Beaver Creek adds to its importance in managing water resources in the region. With a drainage area of 0.56 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 50 cubic feet per second, Sunshine Lakes Dam plays a vital role in flood control and water management for the local community.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it's crucial to monitor and address the condition of Sunshine Lakes Dam to ensure its continued functionality and safety. With its poor assessment and significant hazard potential, efforts must be made to improve its condition and mitigate any risks associated with its operation. By staying informed and involved in the maintenance and regulation of dams like Sunshine Lakes, enthusiasts can contribute to the sustainable management of water resources and the protection of communities downstream.
Dam Length |
600 |
Dam Height |
37.5 |
River Or Stream |
TRIBUTARY TO WEST FORK LITTLE BEAVER CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
14 |
Drainage Area |
0.56 |
Nid Storage |
211 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
38 |
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.
Sunshine Lakes Dam