Champagne Shores Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Champagne Shores Pond Dam, located in Medina, Ohio, is a private earth dam completed in 1971 primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

With a height of 17.6 feet and a length of 350 feet, it holds a storage capacity of 62 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 7.6 acres. The dam is regulated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections, with the last assessment conducted in December 2018 revealing a poor condition assessment and a significant hazard potential.

Situated along a tributary to the West Branch Rocky River, Champagne Shores Pond Dam presents both environmental and safety concerns due to its outdated infrastructure and lack of modern spillway systems. Despite its poor condition, the dam continues to be a popular spot for recreational activities in the area, attracting visitors to its scenic surroundings. Moving forward, there is a pressing need for maintenance and potential upgrades to ensure the safety of the dam and the surrounding community, especially in the face of changing climate patterns and increased risks of extreme weather events.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Champagne Shores Pond Dam serves as a case study highlighting the importance of proactive dam management and the need for investments in sustainable infrastructure to adapt to a changing climate. As discussions around resiliency and risk mitigation gain prominence, this dam stands as a reminder of the critical role that water infrastructure plays in ensuring the safety and well-being of communities, while also underscoring the challenges posed by aging dams in the face of evolving environmental pressures.

Year Completed

1971

Dam Length

350

Dam Height

17.6

River Or Stream

TRIBUTARY TO WEST BRANCH ROCKY RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7.6

Drainage Area

0.09

Nid Storage

62

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

18
       
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.