Forest Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Forest Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in Michigan. It was completed in 1971 and is 55 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 48 ft (taller than 96.4% in MI) |
| Dam Length | 800 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 7.4K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 6.4K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 305 acres |
| Drainage Area | 26 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 4,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1971 (55 years old) |
| NID ID | MI00437 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
Forest Lake Property Owners Assoc.
Private
Nearby Dams
Mansfield Club Dam
Ogemaw, MI
Low Hazard 30 ftCharlyle Dam
Arenac, MI
Low Hazard 17 ftCrake Dam
Arenac, MI
Low Hazard 14 ftLake Ogemaw Dam
Ogemaw, MI
Significant Hazard 32 ftFawn Lake Dam
Ogemaw, MI
Low Hazard 21 ftDolbee Dam
Arenac, MI
Low Hazard 10 ftMolasses River Flooding #2 Dam
Gladwin, MI
Low Hazard 12 ftBay Land Dam
Ogemaw, MI
Low Hazard 14 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Forest Lake Dam?
Forest 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 Forest Lake Dam?
Forest Lake Dam is owned by Forest Lake Property Owners Assoc. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Forest Lake Dam built?
Forest Lake Dam was completed in 1971, making it 55 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 Forest Lake Dam?
Forest Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Forest Lake Dam?
Forest Lake Dam has a dam height of 48 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 Forest Lake Dam last inspected?
Forest Lake Dam was last inspected on May 19, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.