North Reservoir Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

North Reservoir Dam, located in Summit County, Ohio, is a state-regulated structure owned by the State of Ohio and managed by the Department of Natural Resources.


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Summary

Built in 1840, this Earth-type dam stands at a height of 12.7 feet and serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a storage capacity of 1111 acre-feet and a surface area of 166 acres. Despite its historical significance, the dam has been rated as having a high hazard potential and poor condition, last inspected in August 2015.

The dam, situated in the city of Portage Lakes and part of the Tuscarawas River's tributary system, poses a risk due to its outdated infrastructure and maintenance issues. With a drainage area of 1.34 square miles and a maximum discharge rate of 362 cubic feet per second, the dam's poor condition raises concerns for potential emergencies. Although an emergency action plan (EAP) was last revised in April 2019, the dam's risk assessment, management measures, and inundation maps remain unclear, highlighting the need for improved safety protocols and regular inspections to ensure the community's protection from any potential hazards.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is crucial to monitor the status of North Reservoir Dam closely, given its importance for recreation and potential risks associated with its condition. With a primary focus on public safety and environmental conservation, stakeholders must advocate for necessary upgrades, risk assessments, and emergency preparedness measures to safeguard the surrounding areas from any potential dam failures or flooding events. By staying informed and actively engaging in discussions around the dam's maintenance and regulatory oversight, we can work towards ensuring the long-term resilience of this critical water infrastructure in Summit County, Ohio.

Year Completed

1840

Dam Length

650

Dam Height

12.7

River Or Stream

TRIBUTARY TO TUSCARAWAS RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

166

Drainage Area

1.34

Nid Storage

1111

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

13
       
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.