Bear Town Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bear Town Lake Dam in Geauga, Ohio, is a local government-owned structure regulated by the Department of Natural Resources.


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Summary

Completed in 1960, this earth dam stands at a height of 21.5 feet and serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a storage capacity of 141.7 acre-feet and covering a surface area of 11.4 acres. The dam, located in Springvalley near the Aurora Branch tributary, has a low hazard potential and was last assessed as being in satisfactory condition in May 2018.

Managed by the Buffalo District, Bear Town Lake Dam has a drainage area of 0.87 square miles and a normal storage level of 57 feet. Despite its low risk profile, the dam is subject to state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement to ensure its ongoing safety and integrity. With a maximum discharge capacity of 1,721 cubic feet per second, this dam plays a crucial role in water resource management while providing a recreational haven for locals and visitors alike. The dam's emergency action plan was last updated in June 2017, and it has been deemed to meet regulatory guidelines.

With a history of over 60 years, Bear Town Lake Dam continues to be a vital infrastructure for the community, offering both recreational opportunities and essential water management functions. Its location within a picturesque setting near the Aurora Branch tributary adds to its appeal for water resource and climate enthusiasts. Regular inspections, state regulation, and a low hazard potential ensure the safety and efficacy of this earth dam, serving as a model for sustainable water resource management in Ohio.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

950

Dam Height

21.5

River Or Stream

TRIBUTARY TO AURORA BRANCH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

11.4

Drainage Area

0.87

Nid Storage

141.7

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

22
       
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.