Christal Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Christal Lake Dam, located in Darbyville, Ohio, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1964 for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Situated on a tributary to Big Darby Creek, this dam stands at a height of 22.2 feet and has a storage capacity of 178 acre-feet. Despite its primary purpose for recreation, the dam's condition assessment is rated as poor, with a significant hazard potential.

The dam's poor condition raises concerns about its long-term safety and the potential risks it poses to the surrounding community. With a drainage area of 0.88 square miles and a maximum discharge of 282 cubic feet per second, there is a need for ongoing inspections and maintenance to mitigate any hazards. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources regulates this dam, ensuring that state permitting, inspection, and enforcement measures are in place to address any safety issues.

Given its outdated design and current condition, the Christal Lake Dam serves as a reminder of the importance of regular monitoring and maintenance of water infrastructure. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is essential to advocate for the proper management of dams like this one to safeguard not only recreational opportunities but also the safety of nearby communities and the surrounding environment.

Year Completed

1964

Dam Length

466

Dam Height

22.2

River Or Stream

TRIBUTARY TO BIG DARBY CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

16.1

Drainage Area

0.88

Nid Storage

178

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

22
       
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.