Carpenter Dam (Indian Lake Dam)

Indian River· Schoolcraft, Michigan· Built 1878· Concrete· 10 ft tall
Significant Hazard Other Private

Key Takeaway

Carpenter Dam (Indian Lake Dam) is classified as significant hazard in Michigan. It was completed in 1878 and is 148 years old. Its primary use is other. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 10 ft (taller than 20.5% in MI)
Dam Length110 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Max Storage34.8K acre-ft
Normal Storage22.5K acre-ft
Surface Area8,659 acres
Drainage Area283 sq mi
Max Discharge1,980 cfs
Year Completed1878 (148 years old)
NID IDMI00271

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: October 12, 2018
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: MICHIGAN DEGLE

Ownership

Schoolcraft County Dr. Commissioner

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Carpenter Dam (Indian Lake Dam)?

Carpenter Dam (Indian Lake Dam) is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Carpenter Dam (Indian Lake Dam)?

Carpenter Dam (Indian Lake Dam) is owned by Schoolcraft County Dr. Commissioner (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Carpenter Dam (Indian Lake Dam) built?

Carpenter Dam (Indian Lake Dam) was completed in 1878, making it 148 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Carpenter Dam (Indian Lake Dam)?

Carpenter Dam (Indian Lake Dam) serves the following purposes: Other. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Carpenter Dam (Indian Lake Dam)?

Carpenter Dam (Indian Lake Dam) has a dam height of 10 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Carpenter Dam (Indian Lake Dam) last inspected?

Carpenter Dam (Indian Lake Dam) was last inspected on October 12, 2018. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.