Ross Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Ross Lake Dam, located in Ross, Ohio, was completed in 1967 and is a key structure for recreation purposes.


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Summary

Managed by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, this earth dam stands at a height of 48.4 feet and has a storage capacity of 4,350 acre-feet. The dam, designed by Stanley Engineering Company, serves as a recreational hub, offering a surface area of 140 acres for water enthusiasts to enjoy.

Despite its recreational significance, Ross Lake Dam poses a high hazard potential and has been assessed to be in poor condition as of September 2017. With an inspection frequency of every five years, the dam's emergency action plan was last revised in December 2016. The dam, located on Lick Run, is regulated by the state of Ohio and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement to ensure public safety and environmental protection. The dam's spillway type, outlet gates, and associated structures were not specified in the data, suggesting a need for further detail on the dam's infrastructure and risk management measures.

Overall, Ross Lake Dam serves as a crucial water resource for the community of Schrader, offering recreational opportunities while also highlighting the importance of regular maintenance and risk assessment for dam safety. As climate change continues to impact water resources, understanding the condition and management of dams like Ross Lake Dam is essential for ensuring the resilience of our water infrastructure in the face of evolving environmental challenges.

Year Completed

1967

Dam Length

750

Dam Height

48.4

River Or Stream

LICK RUN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

140

Drainage Area

3.83

Nid Storage

4350

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

48
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.