Sunnyhill Freshwater Reservoir Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Located in Perry, Ohio, the Sunnyhill Freshwater Reservoir Dam is a privately owned structure designed by the Peabody Coal Company.
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Summary
Completed in 1959, this earth dam stands at a height of 44.6 feet and has a storage capacity of 827.5 acre-feet, making it a significant water resource in the area. The dam primarily serves for recreational purposes, offering a surface area of 23 acres for activities such as fishing and boating.
Despite its recreational value, the Sunnyhill Freshwater Reservoir Dam is classified as having a significant hazard potential with a poor condition assessment. It is regulated by the Department of Natural Resources in Ohio and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety. The dam is situated along a tributary to Moxahala Creek, providing crucial water storage and flood control benefits to the surrounding area.
With a historical significance dating back over six decades, the Sunnyhill Freshwater Reservoir Dam remains a key feature in the water resource infrastructure of Ohio. As climate change continues to impact water availability and quality, maintaining and enhancing the resilience of such structures becomes essential for sustainable water management in the region.
Year Completed |
1959 |
Dam Length |
670 |
Dam Height |
44.6 |
River Or Stream |
TRIBUTARY TO MOXAHALA CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
23 |
Drainage Area |
1.74 |
Nid Storage |
827.5 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
45 |
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.
Sunnyhill Freshwater Reservoir Dam