Bader Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bader Lake Dam, located in Newark, Ohio, was completed in 1961 and serves as a crucial water supply source for the area.


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Summary

The dam, designed by Dale Stoll, stands at a height of 22 feet and has a storage capacity of 40.2 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 25.2 acre-feet. The dam spans 255 feet in length and covers a surface area of 4.35 acres, managing a drainage area of 0.19 square miles.

Despite its significance in water resource management, Bader Lake Dam is currently rated as having a poor condition assessment, with a significant hazard potential. The dam is regulated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and undergoes regular inspections, with the last one conducted in December 2020. With its location along a tributary to Cat Run, the dam plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks and ensuring water supply stability for the surrounding community.

As a private-owned structure, Bader Lake Dam faces challenges in maintaining its structural integrity and meeting safety standards. With its outdated condition and the potential risks associated with its poor assessment, continued monitoring and potential rehabilitation efforts are essential to ensure the long-term sustainability and safety of this important water resource infrastructure.

Year Completed

1961

Dam Length

255

Dam Height

22

River Or Stream

TRIBUTARY TO CAT RUN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4.35

Drainage Area

0.19

Nid Storage

40.2

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

22
       
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.