The Wilderness Lower Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
The Wilderness Lower Lake Dam in Stark County, Ohio, is a private earth dam completed in 1966 with a primary purpose of recreation.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
The dam stands at a height of 21.8 feet and has a normal storage capacity of 28.8 acre-feet with a maximum storage of 63.4 acre-feet. Situated on a tributary to Sugar Creek, the dam serves as a recreational hub for the local community, offering a surface area of 7.5 acres for water enthusiasts to enjoy.
Managed by the Department of Natural Resources in Ohio, the Wilderness Lower Lake Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state agencies to ensure its safety and compliance with regulations. With a low hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment as of July 2020, the dam provides a safe environment for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and wildlife observation. The dam's location in Beach City, Ohio, adds to its appeal as a picturesque destination for water resource and climate enthusiasts to explore.
For those interested in water resource management and climate impact on dams, the Wilderness Lower Lake Dam offers a fascinating case study. With its design by the USDA Soil Conservation Service and its association with the Buffalo District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, the dam showcases the collaboration between private and federal entities in maintaining water infrastructure for recreational and environmental purposes. As climate change continues to affect water resources, understanding the management and regulation of dams like the Wilderness Lower Lake Dam is crucial for ensuring sustainable water usage and mitigating potential risks in the future.
Year Completed |
1966 |
Dam Length |
920 |
Dam Height |
21.8 |
River Or Stream |
TRIBUTARY TO SUGAR CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7.5 |
Drainage Area |
0.14 |
Nid Storage |
63.4 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Nid Height |
22 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
The Wilderness Lower Lake Dam
North Sippo Park
Petros Park
Petros Lake Park Expansion
Dover City Park
Regis Perry Park