Paul's Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 19, 2025
Paul's Lake Dam, located in Darke County, Ohio, is a privately owned structure with a primary purpose of recreation.
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Summary
The dam, designated as an Earth type, stands at a height of 17.4 feet and has a length of 310 feet, providing a storage capacity of 38.5 acre-feet. Despite its significance for recreational purposes, the dam's condition assessment is rated as poor, with a significant hazard potential.
Managed by the Department of Natural Resources in Ohio, Paul's Lake Dam is subject to state regulations, inspections, and enforcement to ensure public safety. The dam, situated on a tributary to the Stillwater River, plays a crucial role in water resource management in the area, with a drainage area of 0.38 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 387 cubic feet per second. However, with a poor condition assessment, there are concerns about the dam's structural integrity and the potential risks it poses to downstream communities.
Despite its current condition, efforts to improve the safety and maintenance of Paul's Lake Dam are essential to mitigate potential risks and ensure the continued enjoyment of recreational activities in the area. Collaboration between the private owner, regulatory agencies, and stakeholders is crucial to address the dam's poor condition and enhance its resilience to climate challenges. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is imperative to support initiatives that prioritize the maintenance and safety of critical infrastructure like Paul's Lake Dam to safeguard communities and ecosystems in the face of evolving environmental threats.
Dam Length |
310 |
Dam Height |
17.4 |
River Or Stream |
TRIBUTARY TO STILLWATER RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4 |
Drainage Area |
0.38 |
Nid Storage |
38.5 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
17 |
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.
Paul's Lake Dam