Peterson Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Peterson Lake Dam, located in Alliance, Ohio, is a privately owned earth dam completed in 1954 with a primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

Sitting on the tributary to Little Beech Creek, this dam stands at 16.5 feet high and spans 365 feet in length, creating a reservoir with a storage capacity of 52.4 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is rated as poor, indicating a need for maintenance and improvements.

Managed by the Department of Natural Resources in Ohio, the Peterson Lake Dam is subject to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement to ensure public safety and environmental protection. The dam's last inspection in June 2016 revealed its poor condition, highlighting the urgency for rehabilitation work to address any structural deficiencies and mitigate potential risks. With a drainage area of 0.38 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 310 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region.

As a focal point for recreational activities and water storage, the Peterson Lake Dam serves as a vital asset for local communities in Stark County, Ohio. However, its poor condition assessment underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring, maintenance, and potential upgrades to safeguard its integrity and functionality. Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Peterson Lake Dam an intriguing subject for studying the intersection of infrastructure, environmental stewardship, and public safety in the context of dams and reservoirs.

Year Completed

1954

Dam Length

365

Dam Height

16.5

River Or Stream

TRIBUTARY TO LITTLE BEECH CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7.6

Drainage Area

0.38

Nid Storage

52.4

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

17
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.