Pierce-Ruhland Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 19, 2025

Located in Ashtabula, Ohio, the Pierce-Ruhland Pond Dam is a privately-owned structure designed by the USDA Soil Conservation Service.


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Summary

Built in 1969, this earth dam stands at 33.6 feet high and stretches 600 feet in length, creating a reservoir with a normal storage capacity of 51 acre-feet. The dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a tranquil spot for water resource and climate enthusiasts to enjoy.

Managed by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, the Pierce-Ruhland Pond Dam is regulated and inspected by the state to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. The dam's condition was last assessed as satisfactory in 2017, with a significant hazard potential noted. Despite its age, the dam continues to provide a valuable resource for the local community, with a drainage area of 0.04 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 179 cubic feet per second.

As a key feature in the tributary to Conneaut Creek, the Pierce-Ruhland Pond Dam not only enhances the recreational landscape of Kingsville but also plays a vital role in water management and conservation efforts in the region. With its rich history and ongoing maintenance, this dam stands as a testament to the intersection of human ingenuity and environmental stewardship in safeguarding water resources for future generations.

Year Completed

1969

Dam Length

600

Dam Height

33.6

River Or Stream

TRIBUTARY TO CONNEAUT CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5.5

Drainage Area

0.04

Nid Storage

73

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

34
       
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.