Artesian Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Artesian Lake Dam, located in Ashland County, Ohio, stands as a vital structure regulating the flow of the tributary to Newell Run.


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Summary

With a height of 17.5 feet and a length of 840 feet, this earth dam primarily serves recreational purposes, offering a serene surface area of 8.5 acres for visitors to enjoy. Despite its age and poor condition assessment, the dam still retains a storage capacity of 86 acre-feet, providing a picturesque backdrop for outdoor activities in the region.

Managed by a private owner, Artesian Lake Dam falls under the regulatory oversight of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, ensuring regular inspections and enforcement of safety measures. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam has a history of meeting guidelines and being inspected every five years. However, the poor condition assessment raises concerns about the structure's long-term stability and the potential need for maintenance or rehabilitation efforts in the future to ensure the safety of surrounding communities and the preservation of the recreational opportunities it provides.

In the midst of Ohio's scenic landscape, Artesian Lake Dam stands as a testament to the intersection of water resource management and recreational enjoyment. As climate enthusiasts and water resource advocates alike observe its significance, the dam's role in balancing the needs of both humans and nature underscores the importance of sustainable infrastructure development and maintenance in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Dam Length

840

Dam Height

17.5

River Or Stream

TRIBUTARY TO NEWELL RUN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

8.5

Drainage Area

0.49

Nid Storage

86

Hazard Potential

High

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.