Puskarich Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Puskarich Lake Dam, located in Carroll County, Ohio, stands as an essential structure for water supply in the region.


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Summary

Constructed in 1971 by CHARLES YOUNG ENGINEERING & SURVEYING, this earth dam reaches a height of 47.6 feet and spans 670 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 597.4 acre-feet, the dam primarily serves the purpose of water supply, supporting a normal storage level of 172.5 acre-feet.

Managed by a private owner, Puskarich Lake Dam is regulated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, ensuring state-permitted inspections and enforcement procedures are in place. The dam's last assessment in 2019 rated its condition as fair, with a high hazard potential due to its location along a tributary to Center Fork. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam remains a crucial resource for the surrounding community, with a surface area of 19.1 acres and a drainage area of 0.72 square miles.

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Puskarich Lake Dam to be a fascinating subject of study, given its importance for water supply in the region. With its unique design and significant storage capacity, this dam plays a vital role in supporting the local ecosystem while also presenting challenges in terms of maintenance and risk management. As efforts continue to ensure the dam's safety and functionality, it stands as a symbol of human ingenuity in harnessing and managing water resources in harmony with the environment.

Year Completed

1971

Dam Length

670

Dam Height

47.6

River Or Stream

TRIBUTARY TO CENTER FORK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

19.1

Drainage Area

0.72

Nid Storage

597.4

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

48
       
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.