Gerding Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Gerding Lake Dam, located in Echo Lake Glen, Ohio, is a privately owned earth dam that serves primarily for recreational purposes.


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Summary

With a height of 29.5 feet and a storage capacity of 42 acre-feet, this dam regulates a drainage area of 0.02 square miles and is a key feature in the tributary system leading to the East Branch of Rocky River. Despite its low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, the Department of Natural Resources in Ohio closely regulates and inspects this dam to ensure its safety and compliance with state guidelines.

The dam, completed in an unspecified year, spans 470 feet in length and covers a surface area of 3 acres. With a maximum discharge capacity of 150 cubic feet per second, Gerding Lake Dam is equipped with outlet gates to control water flow. Despite its modest size, this dam plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of the surrounding area and provides a recreational haven for locals and visitors alike. The last inspection in October 2018 deemed the dam to be in fair condition, suggesting ongoing monitoring and maintenance efforts are necessary to uphold its integrity.

Owned and managed by private entities, Gerding Lake Dam stands as a testament to the critical role of dams in water resource management and climate resilience. As a focal point for recreation and environmental sustainability in Medina County, Ohio, this dam symbolizes the harmonious coexistence of human development and natural ecosystems. With its strategic location and functional design, Gerding Lake Dam serves as both a practical infrastructure asset and a scenic attraction for water resource and climate enthusiasts seeking to appreciate the intersection of human ingenuity and natural beauty.

Dam Length

470

Dam Height

29.5

River Or Stream

TRIBUTARY TO EAST BRANCH OF ROCKY RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3

Drainage Area

0.02

Nid Storage

42

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

30
       
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.