Flowage Lake Dam

Rifle River· Ogemaw, Michigan· Built 1997· Earth· 27 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation Other Private

Key Takeaway

Flowage Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in Michigan. It was completed in 1997 and is 29 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 27 ft (taller than 86.3% in MI)
Dam Length250 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage380 acre-ft
Normal Storage280 acre-ft
Surface Area35 acres
Drainage Area42 sq mi
Year Completed1997 (29 years old)
NID IDMI02579

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: August 28, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: MICHIGAN DEGLE

Ownership

Ogemaw County Drain Commissioner

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Flowage Lake Dam?

Flowage 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 Flowage Lake Dam?

Flowage Lake Dam is owned by Ogemaw County Drain Commissioner (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Flowage Lake Dam built?

Flowage Lake Dam was completed in 1997, making it 29 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 Flowage Lake Dam?

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

How tall is Flowage Lake Dam?

Flowage Lake Dam has a dam height of 27 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 Flowage Lake Dam last inspected?

Flowage Lake Dam was last inspected on August 28, 2020. 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.