Comet Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Comet Lake Dam, located in Summit County, Ohio, is a privately owned structure built in 1922 for recreational purposes along Nimisila Creek.


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Summary

The dam stands at a height of 25.5 feet and has a storage capacity of 560.4 acre-feet, with a drainage area of 9.36 square miles. Despite its primary purpose for recreation, the dam poses a high hazard potential and has been assessed as being in poor condition as of August 2020.

The Department of Natural Resources in Ohio regulates Comet Lake Dam, ensuring that it undergoes regular inspections and meets state permitting and enforcement requirements. The dam's emergency action plan was last revised in January 2022, and while it is located in a rural area, its proximity to the city of Comet raises concerns about potential risks to the surrounding community in case of a failure. With a maximum discharge capacity of 1421 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources and mitigating flood risks in the region.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in Comet Lake Dam will find its historical significance and structural characteristics intriguing. As a privately owned earth dam with a century-old history, its current condition and hazard potential highlight the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety of both the dam and the local community. The dam's location along Nimisila Creek adds to its environmental significance, making it a key feature in the watershed management of Summit County, Ohio.

Year Completed

1922

Dam Length

140

Dam Height

25.5

River Or Stream

NIMISILA CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

39.8

Drainage Area

9.36

Nid Storage

560.4

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

26
       
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.