Ravens Wood Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Ravens Wood Lake Dam, located in Poe, Ohio, is a private dam constructed in 1973 for recreational purposes.


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Summary

With a height of 30.2 feet and a length of 800 feet, it impounds a maximum storage of 981 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 44 acres. The dam is situated on a tributary to the West Branch Rocky River in Medina County, Ohio, under the jurisdiction of the Department of Natural Resources.

Despite its satisfactory condition assessment, Ravens Wood Lake Dam poses a high hazard potential and undergoes inspections every 5 years to ensure its safety. The dam has a normal storage capacity of 205 acre-feet and a drainage area of 1.9 square miles. In case of emergencies, the dam lacks updated emergency action plans and inundation maps, highlighting potential areas for improvement in risk management measures.

The dam, designed by Thomas A. Cunningham & Assoc., serves as a vital recreational spot in the area, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, and other leisure activities. With its picturesque location and significant storage capacity, Ravens Wood Lake Dam stands as a key feature in the water resource infrastructure of Ohio, attracting water resource and climate enthusiasts to appreciate its engineering and environmental significance.

Year Completed

1973

Dam Length

800

Dam Height

30.2

River Or Stream

TRIBUTARY TO WEST BRANCH ROCKY RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

44

Drainage Area

1.9

Nid Storage

981

Hazard Potential

High

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.