Von Gunten Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Von Gunten Pond Dam in Summit County, Ohio, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1965 for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Situated in the city of Ghent, this dam stands at a height of 30.3 feet and has a length of 360 feet, providing a storage capacity of 66.2 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is currently in poor condition, as assessed in May 2017.

The Department of Natural Resources in Ohio regulates and inspects Von Gunten Pond Dam, ensuring its compliance with state standards and safety measures. The dam, located on a tributary to the North Fork river, has a drainage area of 0.75 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 566 cubic feet per second. Although the dam's primary purpose is for recreation, its poor condition warrants attention and potential maintenance to ensure its long-term functionality and safety for the surrounding community.

Overall, Von Gunten Pond Dam serves as a crucial water resource for the area, offering recreational opportunities amidst its structural and maintenance challenges. With its history dating back to the 1960s and ongoing state oversight, water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the complexities and importance of managing and maintaining dams like Von Gunten Pond to uphold both safety and environmental sustainability.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

360

Dam Height

30.3

River Or Stream

TRIBUTARY TO NORTH FORK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4.8

Drainage Area

0.75

Nid Storage

66.2

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

30
       
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.