Sunset Lake Dam dam
Sunset Lake Dam
Sunset Lake Dam, located in Medina, Ohio, stands as a private-owned structure with a primary purpose of recreation. The dam, classified as an Earth type with a height of 16.5 feet and a length of 620 feet, forms part of the East Branch Black River tributary, offering a serene setting for water and climate enthusiasts. With a storage capacity of 69.8 acre-feet and a surface area of 8.5 acres, Sunset Lake Dam provides a valuable reservoir for recreational activities, while also serving as a vital component of the local ecosystem.
Managed by the Department of Natural Resources in Ohio, the dam undergoes regular inspections and enforcement to ensure its safety and compliance with state regulations. Despite being designated as having a significant hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment as of October 2018 was deemed satisfactory, highlighting the diligent maintenance efforts in place. With a history of inspections and a satisfactory condition assessment, Sunset Lake Dam continues to provide a safe and enjoyable environment for visitors and wildlife alike.
As a significant water resource in the region, Sunset Lake Dam plays a crucial role in water management and conservation efforts. With a focus on recreation, the dam offers a picturesque setting for outdoor activities while also serving as a key component in the local ecosystem. Its regulated status and regular inspections ensure its continued functionality and safety, making it a must-visit destination for those passionate about water resources and climate conservation.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Sunset Lake Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Chippewa Creek At Miller Rd At Sterling Oh | 29 cfs | → |
| Black River At Elyria Oh | 106 cfs | → |
| West Branch Rocky River At West View Oh | 79 cfs | → |
| Plum Creek Near Olmsted Falls Oh | 2 cfs | → |
| Baker Creek At Olmstead Falls Oh | 4 cfs | → |
| Unnamed Tributary To W B Rocky R Near Berea Oh | 0 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Sunset Lake Dam.
Boat launches
- Chippewa Lake Boat Launch
- New London Reservoir Park/Campground
- Hot Waters Boat Ramp
- Vermilion Boat Launch
- Cleveland Road East Vermilion Township
- Portage Lakes State Park - Long Lake
Campgrounds
Fishing spots
- Charles Mill Lake
- East 72nd Street Fishing Area
- Aurora Pond
- Clear Fork Reservoir
- Bucyrus Reservoirs
- Beaver Creek Upground Reservoir
Paddle runs
Track Sunset Lake Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Sunset Lake Dam
Where does the data for Sunset Lake Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Significant hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Sunset Lake Dam.