Forest Meadows Lake Park Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Forest Meadows Lake Park Dam in Medina, Ohio, is a privately owned structure regulated by the Department of Natural Resources.


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Summary

The dam, primarily used for recreation, is an earth-type structure standing at 13.4 feet high and stretching 375 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 21 acre-feet and a surface area of 3.7 acres, the dam poses a significant hazard potential and has been assessed as being in poor condition as of 2014.

Located near the tributary to West Branch Rocky River, the dam has a drainage area of 0.26 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 109 cubic feet per second. Despite its poor condition assessment, the dam is inspected every five years, with the last inspection conducted in October 2018. In case of emergencies, the presence of an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and appropriate risk management measures are crucial to ensure public safety and mitigate potential risks associated with the dam.

Forest Meadows Lake Park Dam serves as a vital infrastructure for recreational activities in the area, attracting water resource and climate enthusiasts alike. As discussions continue on the dam's maintenance and improvement, it remains essential to address its structural vulnerabilities and prioritize the safety of the surrounding community.

Dam Length

375

Dam Height

13.4

River Or Stream

TRIBUTARY TO WEST BRANCH ROCKY RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3.7

Drainage Area

0.26

Nid Storage

21

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

13
       
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.