Maple Valley Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Maple Valley Lake Dam, located in Barrs Mills, Ohio, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA Soil Conservation Service.


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Summary

Completed in 1970, this earth dam serves primarily for recreational purposes, with a height of 26.8 feet and a length of 280 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 22.9 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 2 acres, contributing to the beauty of the landscape while providing a recreational space for visitors.

Despite its scenic appeal, the Maple Valley Lake Dam poses a significant hazard potential and has been assessed to be in poor condition. The dam is under state regulation, with the Department of Natural Resources overseeing permitting, inspection, and enforcement activities. The last inspection in July 2020 highlighted the need for improvements to mitigate risks associated with the dam, emphasizing the importance of regular maintenance and monitoring to ensure public safety and environmental protection in the area.

With a drainage area of 0.18 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 173 cubic feet per second, Maple Valley Lake Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region. As a tributary to the South Fork Sugar Creek, the dam's presence affects the local ecosystem and water flow dynamics. Climate and water resource enthusiasts can appreciate the complexities involved in balancing recreational needs with safety and environmental considerations at this unique site in Tuscarawas County, Ohio.

Year Completed

1970

Dam Length

280

Dam Height

26.8

River Or Stream

TRIBUTARY TO SOUTH FORK SUGAR CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2

Drainage Area

0.18

Nid Storage

22.9

Hazard Potential

Significant

Nid Height

27
       
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.