Brye Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Brye Lake Dam, located in Sterling Oaks Senior Complex in Medina, Ohio, was completed in 1988 for the primary purpose of recreation.


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Summary

The dam, standing at a height of 11.5 feet, creates a reservoir with a storage capacity of 23 acre-feet and a surface area of 4.2 acres. Despite its recreational benefits, the dam has been classified with a high hazard potential and a poor condition assessment.

The dam is privately owned and regulated by the Department of Natural Resources in Ohio. It spans 260 feet in length and holds back an unnamed tributary to Holmes Brook. The dam's inspection frequency is every 5 years, with the last assessment conducted in June 2020. With its high hazard potential and poor condition, there is a need for ongoing risk management measures to ensure the safety of the surrounding community and the dam's structural integrity. As enthusiasts of water resources and climate, it is important to stay informed about the status of dams like Brye Lake Dam to advocate for proper maintenance and oversight to mitigate potential risks.

Year Completed

1988

Dam Length

260

Dam Height

11.5

River Or Stream

UNNAMED TRIBUTARY TO HOLMES BROOK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4.2

Drainage Area

0.06

Nid Storage

23

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

12
       
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.