Rice Pond Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Imars Lake Dam Malek Lake Dam
Last Updated: December 26, 2025
Rice Pond Dam, located in Lester, Ohio, is a privately owned earth dam primarily used for recreational purposes.
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Summary
With a height of 31.3 feet and a length of 210 feet, the dam provides a storage capacity of 41 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 4 acres. It is situated on a tributary to Mallet Creek in Medina County, Ohio, and falls under the jurisdiction of the Department of Natural Resources for regulation, inspection, and enforcement.
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Rice Pond Dam undergoes regular inspections every five years to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The last inspection conducted in September 2018 confirmed its overall soundness. While the dam does not have a spillway, its maximum discharge capacity is 74 cubic feet per second, serving as a crucial component in managing water resources in the area. Enthusiasts interested in water resource management and climate-related issues would find Rice Pond Dam an intriguing case study of a privately owned dam contributing to both recreation and environmental conservation efforts in Ohio.
Dam Length |
210 |
Dam Height |
31.3 |
River Or Stream |
TRIBUTARY TO MALLET CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4 |
Drainage Area |
0.1 |
Nid Storage |
41 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
31 |
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.
Rice Pond Dam