Cooke Pond No. 1 Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Cooke Pond No.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
1 Dam, located in Richland County, Ohio, is a privately owned structure with a primary purpose of recreation. Built in 1964 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 16.5 feet and has a length of 975 feet. With a storage capacity of 63.7 acre-feet, the dam serves as a recreational hotspot for locals and visitors alike, offering a surface area of 7.3 acres for various water activities.
Despite its recreational benefits, Cooke Pond No. 1 Dam has been assessed to be in poor condition, with a significant hazard potential. The dam is under state regulation and inspection, with the Department of Natural Resources overseeing its permitting, inspections, and enforcement. The last inspection in September 2016 revealed its poor condition, prompting the need for risk management measures to ensure public safety and prevent potential emergencies. With a moderate risk assessment rating, stakeholders are urged to address the dam's structural deficiencies and update emergency action plans to mitigate potential risks.
As a key component of the local water resource system, Cooke Pond No. 1 Dam plays a vital role in managing water levels and providing recreational opportunities to the community. With its unique design and historical significance, the dam serves as a focal point for water and climate enthusiasts interested in the intersection of human infrastructure and environmental conservation. As efforts continue to improve its condition and safety measures, the dam remains an important landmark that reflects the delicate balance between human development and natural resource management in the region.
Year Completed |
1964 |
Dam Length |
975 |
Dam Height |
16.5 |
River Or Stream |
TRIBUTARY TO MARSH RUN |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7.3 |
Drainage Area |
0.35 |
Nid Storage |
63.7 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
17 |
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.
Cooke Pond No. 1 Dam