Deer Lake Estates Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Deer Lake Estates Dam, located in Russell Center, Ohio, is a privately owned structure designed by ADACHE, CIUNI, LYNN ASSOCIATES and completed in 1992.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet and spans 515 feet in length, providing essential recreational benefits to the surrounding community. With a normal storage capacity of 62.1 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 155 acre-feet, the dam serves as a vital resource for water management in the region.

The dam's primary purpose is for recreation, offering a surface area of 14.3 acres for various outdoor activities. Despite its fair condition assessment in 2018, the hazard potential of Deer Lake Estates Dam is considered low, providing a sense of security for nearby residents and wildlife. Regular inspections and enforcement by the Department of Natural Resources ensure the dam's integrity and safety, contributing to the overall resilience of the water resource infrastructure in Geauga County.

Situated along a tributary to Silver Creek, Deer Lake Estates Dam plays a significant role in managing the drainage area of 3.92 square miles and can handle a maximum discharge of 5,412 cubic feet per second. With its strategic location and efficient design, this dam exemplifies the importance of sustainable water resource management and climate adaptation strategies in safeguarding communities against potential risks and ensuring a thriving ecosystem for future generations to enjoy.

Year Completed

1992

Dam Length

515

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

TRIBUTARY TO SILVER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

14.3

Drainage Area

3.92

Nid Storage

155

Hazard Potential

Low

Nid Height

20
       
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.