Clouse Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Clouse Lake Dam, located in Perry County, Ohio, is a state-regulated structure managed by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
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Summary
Built in 1946 by the Ohio Department of Highways, this earth dam stands at a height of 28.5 feet and spans a length of 800 feet, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 948.1 acre-feet. The dam primarily serves a recreational purpose, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water-based activities on the Center Branch Rush Creek.
Despite being classified as having a significant hazard potential, Clouse Lake Dam is currently assessed to be in fair condition as of its last inspection in April 2017. The dam has a notable drainage area of 8.6 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 10,827.6 cubic feet per second. While the dam does not have a spillway, it is equipped with outlet gates for controlled water release. The surrounding area boasts a serene surface area of 35.1 acres, providing a picturesque setting for visitors to enjoy the natural beauty and water resources offered by Clouse Lake Dam.
Year Completed |
1946 |
Dam Length |
800 |
Dam Height |
28.5 |
River Or Stream |
CENTER BRANCH RUSH CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
35.1 |
Drainage Area |
8.6 |
Nid Storage |
948.1 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
29 |
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.
Clouse Lake Dam