Champagne Shores Pond Dam, located in Medina, Ohio, is a private earth dam completed in 1971 primarily for recreational purposes.
Wind
Humidity
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to the West Branch Rocky River, Champagne Shores Pond Dam presents both environmental and safety concerns due to its outdated infrastructure and lack of modern spillway systems.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 |