Paw Paw Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Paw Paw Lake Dam, located in Russell Center, Ohio, is a private earth dam constructed in 1920 for recreational purposes on a tributary to Silver Creek.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Standing at a height of 15.4 feet and with a length of 400 feet, the dam boasts a normal storage capacity of 39 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 3,784 cubic feet per second. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition has been assessed as poor during the last inspection in May 2018.

Managed by the Department of Natural Resources in Ohio, Paw Paw Lake Dam is subject to state regulations, permitting, inspections, and enforcement to ensure its safety and functionality. However, with a poor condition assessment and lacking emergency action preparedness, there is a need for increased risk management measures and potentially an updated emergency action plan to address any potential hazards associated with the dam. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate in the Geauga County area may take interest in monitoring the developments and maintenance efforts surrounding this recreational dam to ensure the safety of the surrounding community and environment.

Year Completed

1920

Dam Length

400

Dam Height

15.4

River Or Stream

TRIBUTARY TO SILVER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

13

Drainage Area

3

Nid Storage

150

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

15
       
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.
View more

Area Campgrounds