Rustic Hills Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Rustic Hills Lake Dam, located in Medina, Ohio, is a privately-owned earth dam completed in 1961 for recreational purposes.


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Summary

Standing at 30 feet in height and stretching 523 feet long, this dam serves as a vital part of the community, providing a storage capacity of 203 acre-feet and a surface area of 10.2 acres. The dam is regulated by the Department of Natural Resources in Ohio, ensuring that it meets state standards for safety and operation.

Despite its satisfactory condition assessment as of October 2018, Rustic Hills Lake Dam poses a high hazard potential due to its proximity to the tributary of West Branch Rocky River. Emergency action plans and risk assessments may need to be updated to meet guidelines and ensure the safety of nearby residents in case of a dam failure. With a maximum discharge capacity of 3545 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the area, highlighting the importance of ongoing inspections and maintenance to mitigate risks associated with aging infrastructure.

As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure across the country, Rustic Hills Lake Dam serves as a reminder of the need for proactive management and investment in dam safety. With its role in recreation and water storage, this dam stands as a testament to the balance between human enjoyment and environmental protection in the face of evolving climate challenges.

Year Completed

1961

Dam Length

523

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

TRIBUTARY TO WEST BRANCH ROCKY RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10.2

Drainage Area

1.17

Nid Storage

203

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

30
       
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.