Madison Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Madison Lake Dam, located in Mount Sterling, Ohio, is a state-regulated structure owned by the Department of Natural Resources and designed by ODNR, Division of Wildlife.


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Summary

Completed in 1946, this Earth dam stands at a height of 24.3 feet and spans a length of 1120 feet, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 1799.4 acre-feet. Situated on Deer Creek, the dam serves primarily for recreation purposes, offering a surface area of 112 acres for outdoor activities.

Despite its significant hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2017 revealed a poor state, highlighting the need for maintenance and improvements to ensure its structural integrity and public safety. The inspection frequency is every 5 years, with the last assessment conducted in October 2017. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, monitoring and advocating for the upkeep of Madison Lake Dam is crucial to preserving its function, enhancing its resilience to climate change impacts, and safeguarding the surrounding community and environment.

Year Completed

1946

Dam Length

1120

Dam Height

24.3

River Or Stream

DEER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

112

Drainage Area

54.7

Nid Storage

1799.4

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

24
       
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.