Lake Medina Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Lake Medina Dam, located in Medina, Ohio, is a captivating Earth dam designed by the Stanley Engineering Company in Cleveland.


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Summary

Completed in 1966, this dam stands at a height of 40 feet and has a length of 6000 feet, creating a storage capacity of 2205 acre-feet. The primary purpose of this dam is for recreation, offering a surface area of 105.2 acres for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Lake Medina Dam is a vital water resource in the area. With a drainage area of 0.54 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 402 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in controlling water flow and providing flood protection. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the dam is assessed to be in fair condition as of the last inspection in October 2018.

As a key feature along the West Branch Rocky River, Lake Medina Dam not only serves practical purposes but also offers a picturesque recreational spot for visitors. With its rich history and significant impact on the local water resources, this dam is a must-visit destination for water resource and climate enthusiasts looking to appreciate the intersection of engineering and nature.

Year Completed

1966

Dam Length

6000

Dam Height

40

River Or Stream

WEST BRANCH ROCKY RIVER - OFFSTREAM

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

105.2

Drainage Area

0.54

Nid Storage

2205

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

40
       
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.